April 2010 Edition
Ocean Shores/North Beach
E-Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
Realtor & Associate Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
www.OceanShoresInfo.com
NOTABLE NEWS/EVENTS
RAZOR CLAM FESTIVAL
The 4th Annual Razor Clam Festival was held on March 26th and 27th. There were over 4,000 in attendance at the Convention Center and was the most successful out these past four years. But many more came for that weekend's clam dig. See more info at http://www.oceanshores.org/clams.html
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
The re-paving of all of our streets and the construction of the traffic circle is done! There will be a Street LID coming up sometime later this year. The town looks great with the new sidewalks in downtown Ocean Shores, and not to mention the smoother drives around town.
EMS LEVY INFO
On April 27th, local residents will vote on imposing an additional $.35 EMS Levy to help cover the City's budget shortfall. This proposal is an attempt by the City Council and our new Mayor, Garland French, after the citizens voted down the last proposed EMS Levy in November. The proposal will increase the EMS Levy to $2.09/$1,000 assessed value. Garland French, a long-time City Council member, was voted in by the City Council to be the new mayor when Mayor Dean Bunkers retired earlier this year for health reasons.
OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 16th-18th ~ Photo & Fine Arts Show: show & competition for prizes.
June 5th-6th ~ Kite Challenge on the Beach: competitions, stunts, displays and more.
June 12th ~ Flag Day Parade: annual parade is held in downtown Ocean Shores and a dance is held at the Convention Center in the evening.
June 25th-27th ~ FiveStar Sand & Sawdust Festival: master woodcarvers, sandcastle competitions, and much more.
BUYS IN OCEAN SHORES
Click on the following links to view fliers for some good deals for Ocean Shores properties:
MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
2010 1st-Quarter (January 1st thru March 31st)
The number of properties sold in Ocean Shores is UP from a year ago (70 properties compared to 55 properties). This is good news for activity in general.
OCEAN SHORES MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS fliers for sold properties (1st Quarter--Jan 1st thru Mar 31st):
Sold Homes
Sold Lots
Sold Condos
Sold Mutli-Family
| 2010 1st Quarter | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
| Current Listings | 216 | 501 | 92 | 3 | 16 | 825 |
| Pendings | 33 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 45 |
| Solds | 29 | 35 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 70 |
| Sold Volume | $4.766M | $891,925 | $550,250 | $149,500 | $0 | $6.35M |
| Sold Median Price | $150K | $17K | $62K | $149,500 | $0 | |
| Average Days on Market (solds) | 123 | 181 | 149 | 210 | 0 |
VS.
| 2009 1st Quarter | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
| Current Listings | 210 | 538 | 65 | ??? | ??? | 813+ |
| Pendings | 32 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 51 |
| Solds | 31 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 55 |
| Sold Volume | $5.56M | $771,350 | $384,900 | $0 | $0 | $6.71M |
| Sold Median Price | $150K | $31K | $70K | $0 | $0 | |
| Average Days on Market (solds) | 159 | 119 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS fliers for sold properties (1st Quarter--Jan 1st thru Mar 31st):
Sold Homes
Sold Condos
| 2010 1st Quarter | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
| Current Listings | 30 | 101 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 175 |
| Pendings | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Solds | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Sold Volume | $812K | $0 | $249K | $0 | $0 | $1.06M |
| Sold Median Price | $88,500 | $0 | $249K | $0 | $0 | |
| Average Days on Market (solds) | 217 | 0 | 310 | 0 | 0 |
VS.
| 2009 1st Quarter | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
| Solds | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Sold Volume | $1.63M | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1.68M |
| Sold Median Price | $88,500 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Average Days on Market (solds) | 224 | 193 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.
FINANCING NEWS
FHA NEWS
Effective February 1st, the FHA has lifted the 90-day resale restriction (the "flipping rule") that made FHA insurance unavailable if the contract of sale for the purchase of the property was executed within 90-days of the prior acquisition by the seller. There is some fine print, but this change opens up FHA financing to bank REOs and foreclosures that need fixing up before resale.
Other news of note:
Why are they doing this? With nearly 40% of all new home loan originations in 2009 done through FHA, the agency is under fire to reduce risk.
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 very low.
Once again, if you ever have any questions about Ocean Shores, the North Beach, 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 Coast Town!
Ocean Shores/North Beach Newsletter
"2009 in Review"
Presented by April Swenson,
Realtor & Associate Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
www.OceanShoresInfo.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I thought I would start out this e-mail with a good laugh. This is what Jeff Foxworthy has to say about living in Washington:
1) If you've worn shorts, sandals and a parka at the same time, you live in Washington.
2) If you know several people who have hit a deer more than once, you live in Washington.
3) If you install security lights on your house and garage but leave both doors unlocked, you live in Washington.
4) If you can drive 75 mph through 2 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching, you live in Central, Southern or Eastern Washington.
5) If you design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a 2 layers of clothes or under a raincoat, you live in Washington.
6) If driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow and ice, you live in Washington.
7) If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction, you live in Washington.
8) If you know more than 10 ways to order coffee, you live in Washington.
9) If you know more people who own boats than air conditioners, you live in Washington.
10) If you stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "Walk" signal, you live in Washington.
11) If you consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted, it is not a real mountain, you live in Washington.
12) If you can taste the difference between Starbucks, Seattle's Best, and Dutch Bros, you live in Washington.
13) If you have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain, you live in Washington.
14) If you think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists, you live in Washington.
15) If you buy new sunglasses every year, because you can't find the old ones after such a long time, you live in Washington.
16) If you actually understand these jokes and forward them to all your Washington friends, you live or have lived in Washington.
2009 NOTABLE NEWS/EVENTS
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009
Christmas Day was a beautifully sunny and clear day. Click on the following link to view the pictures: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/christmas2009.html
WINTER STORM 2009
November was hit with the first true Winter storm and it was a spectacular site to watch the stormy waves hit the Jetty. Click on the following link to view pictures: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/jettystorm2009.html
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2009
The weekend was packed and the beaches lined with cars and people letting off fireworks, including myself. Click on the following link to view pictures: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/july4th2009.html
SAND & SAWDUST FESTIVAL 2009
This is one my personal favorite yearly events with the sandcastle competitions held in June. Click on the following link to view pictures: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/sand&sawdustfestival2009.html
FLAG DAY PARADE 2009
One of the largest Flag Day parades in Western Washington was held in June. Click on the following link to view pictures: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/flagdayparade2009.html
THE BOARDWALK SHOPS of OCEAN SHORES GRAND OPENING
These cute beach-looking condo retail shops opened in April with 4 shops already bought/leased, and another on the way. These shops are located next to the Coldwell Banker/Caffe Amici building. Still a couple left for purchase or lease! Click on the following link to view pictures and more info: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/commercial/boardwalkshops.html
WINDSURFING at DAMON POINT
There was a great site of many windsurfers at Damon Point State Park/Protection Island in January 2009. Click on the following link to view pictures: www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/windsurfers.html
ROAD CONSTRUCTION 2009
This year brought massive road construction, especially in the downtown area. There were many road closures and detours due to the repaving of the streets and the installation of a traffic circle at the intersection of Chance a La Mer and Pt Brown Ave. It is almost complete. They are finishing the concrete curbs and sidewalks and will do plantings in the springtime.
NEW FIRE STATION OPENS 2009
The downtown fire station moved in November/December from their older, smaller building on JK Lewis St to the brand new, over $4.6M fire station on Pt Brown Ave next to the Police Station. It is very impressive.
BUDGET SHORTFALL 2009
In November, Ocean Shores citizens, including myself, voted on the proposed EMS Levy. It was defeated by approximately 69% to 31%. With this defeat, the City found themselves with a shortfall of approximately $1.3M for 2010. So the Mayor and the City Council have had to find ways to balance the budget through layoffs, closing the Library and Interpretive Center, and they are looking into imposing an EMS Tax. The Library is staying open through March for limited hours. Fund-raising is occurring to keep both places open, which is great to see the citizens unite for a common goal.
Many cities and counties, such as ours, are facing budget issues and I do believe there must be stronger and deeper analyses of the City's budget. There are many tough questions to be answered and even tougher decisions to be made. We must move forward with the right business principles and implement them.
The City has moved forward with improvements, such as the much-needed repaving of all of our roads and a nicer, more pedestrian-friendly downtown area. Some more good news is that we are seeing greater numbers of tourists flock here than in 2008. We offer so many attractions, ie the accessible beaches, lakes, canals, parks, a clubhouse, hotels, restaurants, arcades, etc. Not to mention affordable real estate with water, sewer and power available to all properties. This truly is a great place to live!!!! I do!
OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARKET UPDATE
Welcome to a new year. My colleagues and I have been extremely busy in real estate. The buyers are out there. It has been surprising to us that this much activity has been occurring in December and January. So I am excited about this new year. Inventories are down, but prices are still low. Click on the links to see some Great Buys.
Homes Under $150K
2009 MARKET ACTIVITY
January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009
OCEAN SHORES MARKET:
| Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total | |
| Current Listings | 174 | 455 | 86 | 3 | 12 | 730 |
| Pendings | 21 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
| Solds | 179 | 133 | 26 | 4 | 7 | 349 |
| Sold Volume | $30.5M | $4.56M | $3.55M | $668K | $2.41M | $41.7M |
| Sold Median Price | $158,500 | $23K | $100,500 | $163,500 | $169K |
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:
| Homes | Land | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total | |
| Current Listings | 42 | 83 | 1 | 4 | 130 |
| Pendings | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Solds | 28 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 39 |
| Sold Volume | $7.16M | $739K | $0 | $150K | $8.04M |
| Sold Median Price | $176,500 | $23,500 | $0 | $150K |
SOUTH BEACH (Westport/Grayland/Ocosta) MARKET:
| Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total | |
| Current Listings | 82 | 90 | 34 | 2 | 13 | 221 |
| Pendings | 3 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Solds | 40 | 18 | 17 | 1 | 4 | 80 |
| Sold Volume | $6M | $1.15M | $3.29M | $170K | $1.05M | $11.66M |
| Sold Median Price | $108,500 | $65K | $168K | $170K | $227,500 |
| Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total | |
| Current Listings | 214 | 248 | 42 | 1 | 19 | 524 |
| Pendings | 15 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 25 |
| Solds | 168 | 64 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 253 |
| Sold Volume | $30.2M | $3.37M | $2.1M | $660K | $820K | $37.15M |
| Sold Median Price | $159,500 | $40K | $141,500 | $330K | $135K |
In conclusion, Ocean Shores/North Beaches provide the greatest selection and lowest prices, plus the most bang for your buck.
FINANCING NEWS
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers purchasing a principal residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010).
You can read more information at http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php#1.
NEW RESPA RULES NOW IN EFFECT
The new year brought significant RESPA changes affecting the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and the HUD-1 settlement statement. These changes are intended to help home buyers fully understand the costs of loan origination and other settlement services, and protect them from big surprises when it comes time to close.
The new three-page GFE has been designed to help buyers compare costs between different lenders and brokers. It also lays out which charges can change before settlement and which charges must remain the same.
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 very low.
Once again, if you ever have any questions about Ocean Shores, the North Beach, 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 Coast Town!
April Swenson
Associate Broker & Realtor, Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores
888-469-3100 office 360-289-3111 fax 360-589-2777 cell
aswenson25@juno.com
www.OceanShoresInfo.com
Merry Christmas from Beautifully Sunny Ocean Shores, WA on the Washington Coast
I took these gorgeous pictures of the Beach & Ocean and the Bay & Olympic Mountains on this beautifully sunny Christmas Day.
I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May we remember the simple things of life and the reason for the season. Christmas Blessings to you all.
God Bless,
April Swenson
Associate Broker & Realtor, Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores
888-469-3100 office 360-289-3111 fax 360-589-2777 cell
aswenson25@juno.com
www.OceanShoresInfo.com
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
 |
|
|
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.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2012 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
