Ocean Shores, WA

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

• The well-known and established gift shop, The Flying Cats, moved into the north-wing of the Coldwell Banker building in October.
• Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties is the #1 listing and selling office in Grays Harbor County for 2008 and 2009 (per NWMLS data).

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Tentative Clam Digs, Jan 29-31: dig razor clams on our local beaches.
• Antique & Collectible Show, Feb 13-14: over 80 booths, seminars, etc are held at the Convention Center.
• Beachcombers Fun Fair, Mar 6-7: beach walks, exhibits, seminars, children's activities, etc.

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

Homes $150K to $200K

Homes over $200K

Waterfront Homes

Lots Under $20K

Lots $20K+

View Lots

Waterfront Lots

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

LONG BEACH PENINSULA (Ilwaco to Surfside Estates) MARKET:

	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

NOTE: All of the above date was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.

In conclusion, Ocean Shores/North Beaches provide the greatest selection and lowest prices, plus the most bang for your buck.

FINANCING NEWS

MOVE-UP HOME-BUYER CREDIT

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).

• The buyer(s) must have owned and resided in the same house for at least 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years prior to the purchase date ("long-term resident"). For married taxpayers, both spouses must qualify as long-time residents.
• Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit.
• The tax credit is equal to 10% of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
• The income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return.
• See your tax accountant for more information.

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

Beach Updates
Happy Birthday Ocean Shores!

News Flash! Ocean Shores turns 50! That's right, the sleepy little beach town celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Happy Birthday (or Birth year, I suppose) Ocean Shores!

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update

It's no secret that 2009 was a horrible year for most if not all business's (except Walmart of course). Not unlike the rest of the country, real estate sales were again slow at the beach and down nearly 13% from the previous year. The First Time Home Buyer tax credit had very little effect out here as most of our buyers are either move-up, retirement or getaway buyers. However, the new $6,500 tax credit for owners of existing homes who buy a new principal residence does seem to be spurring activity. The biggest surprise out here on the beach is that more condominiums actually sold this year than last.

Ocean Shores is not unlike the rest of the country as a large volume of foreclosures, REO's and short sales have driven prices down. However, we are starting to see a significant reduction in the number of these distressed properties on the market today. Prices have bottomed in Ocean Shores much like the rest of the region. The biggest problem we face with sales still remains with the uncertainty of the banks as they continue to strangle buyers with steeper qualifications to get a loan.

That being said, the forecast is good. Nationally, the National Association of Realtor's chief economist sees a strong sales year ahead - up to 20 percent this year. He's also forecasting sustained price increases of anywhere from two to five percent on average. Regionally, the Puget Sound market is significantly up. The volume of pending sales was up more than 35% from a year ago and was the best December the region has seen since 2006. Historically, Ocean Shores tends to follow the Puget Sound's trends by six to nine months.

Here are some year end numbers regarding Ocean Shores real estate:

2009 Home Sales
* 180 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $173,421 (Cheapest was $31,500 - Most expensive was $495,000).

* 206 Homes sold in 2008 for an average sales price of $194,480 (Cheapest was $28,000 - Most expensive was $829,000).

* 241 Homes sold in 2007 for an average sales price of $209,783 (Cheapest was $36,000 - Most expensive was $580,000).

The average home that sold in Ocean Shores in 2009 had 1415 square feet and was on the market for 225 days.
* Currently, there's 179 Homes on the market (compared to 228 Homes on the market this time last year) for an average price of $225,194 (compared to $259,367 this time last year). Additionally, there are 18 homes pending in Ocean Shores for an average list price of $158,790.

2009 Condo Sales

* 25 Condos sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $138,468 (Cheapest was $41,000 - Most expensive was $350,000).

* 18 Condos sold in 2008 for an average sales price of $244,000 (Cheapest was $60,000 - Most expensive was $425,000).

* 41 Condos sold in 2007 for an average sales price of $209,783 (Cheapest was $7,500 - Most expensive was $449,000).

The average Condo that sold in Ocean Shores in 2009 had 992 square feet and was on the market for 320 days.
* Currently, there's 86 Condos on the market for an average price of $222,777. Additionally, there are 4 Condos pending in Ocean Shores for an average list price of $158,790. There are still some fantastic deals on Condos at the beach right now. Send me an email if you would like a list.

2009 Vacant Lot Sales

* 134 Lots sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $34,968 (Cheapest was $8,500 - Most expensive was $155,000).

* 189 Lots sold in 2008 for an average sales price of $47,799 (Cheapest was $10,000 - Most expensive was $185,000).

* 322 Lots sold in 2007 for an average sales price of $54,655. (Cheapest was $16,000- Most expensive was $450,000).

It took 320 days to sell a Lot in 2009 compared to 284 days in 2008.

2009 Commercial Sales

* 7 Commercial Buildings sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $345,643 compared to 6 sales in 2008 for an average sales price of $281,250.

2009 Multifamily (Apartment) Sales

* 4 Multifamily Buildings sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $167,000 compared to 0 sales in 2008.

Coastal Community Sales Comparisons

On another note, even though the Ocean Shores real estate market was off this past year, consider how bad the market is in a couple of other beach towns. All things said, the real estate market is still kicking in Ocean Shores.

* Ocean Shores sold 180 Homes and 134 Lots in 2009. The average price of the Home was $173,421 & the average price of the Lot was $34,968.

* Seabrook/Pacific Beach/Moclips areas sold 18 Homes and 6 Lots in 2009. The average price of the Home was $344,472 & the average price of the Lot was $92,833.

* Westport sold 23 Homes and 11 Lots in 2009. The average price of the Home was $164,410 & the average price of the Lot was $53,136.

* Long Beach sold 48 Homes and 14 Lots in 2009. The average price of the Home was $183,160 & the average price of the Lot was $107,714.

Summary: Ocean Shores is still the most affordable coastal community in the country and that's a big reason why a lot of baby boomers are retiring in Ocean Shores and numerous people move here to work, play and buy their vacation getaways. Now is the best time to buy in Ocean Shores!

Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties is the Top Producing Real Estate Office in Ocean Shores (again...)
For the third year in a row, Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties finished out 2009 as the Number One (#1) Real Estate Sales Office in Ocean Shores. This year, not only were we the #1 office in town again, we were the #1 office in all of Grays Harbor County again! We sold more properties in the county this past year than any other office around. Congratulations and thanks to the customers, owners, agents, employees and friends of Coldwell Banker for making us the top real estate office in Ocean Shores and the entire County.

On a personal note, I would very much like to thank everyone who helped me in becoming the #1 real estate agent in not only Ocean Shores, but all of Grays Harbor County as well for the second year in a row now.

Ocean Shores Real Estate Brokerage 2009 Rankings

#1 Coldwell Banker - Volume Sold: 29.83%

#2 John L. Scott - Volume Sold: 21.70%

#3 Windermere (out of business now) - Volume Sold: 13.83%

#4 Prudential Grays Harbor - Volume Sold: 5.80%

#5 Premier Realty - Volume Sold: 5.63%

#6 Beach Realty - Volume Sold: 2.22%

December Home Sales
Only 11 Homes sold in December. Average selling price was $199,286. The cheapest one was $123,750 and the most expensive was a new bay front home coming in at $376,000.

December Vacant Lot Sales

11 Lots sold in December. Average selling price was $17,127. The cheapest one was unloaded for only $10,000 and the most expensive was only $33,000.

December Condo Sales
3 Condos sold in December for an average sales price of $80,000 even. The new Short Sale pricing going on at the Dreamscape Condos down at the North Jetty has really drawn a lot of interest from buyers making crazy offers that the bank has been accepting. Get in while you can!

BrandNewBeachHomes.com is a real estate blog about new homes and new construction out at the beach. Take a look!

If you have any questions regarding Ocean Shores/North Coast Real Estate, call Jeff Daniel of Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties at 360.581.9020 or visit my website at www.cityofoceanshores.com. Thanks! All real estate numbers and stats apply to the Ocean Shores real estate market. All statistics are supplied from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Upcoming Events

Master Builder Home & Garden Show

February 6-7, 2010
Second annual Twin Harbors Chapter Master Builders Home and Garden Show. Free admission and prizes will be given away every hour! Get the jump on home improvement and yard projects and be ready for the "Spring Fever"...

Antique & Collectible Show

February 13-14, 2010

8th Annual Ocean Shores Antique & Collectible Show will take place at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Join them along with over 60 vendors for Valentine's Weekend!

Beachcombers Fun Fair

March 5-7, 2010

23rd annual event features exhibits, seminars, information booths, and vendors on Saturday and Sunday; a kid's science fair Saturday morning plus beach walks on Sunday morning.

Ocean Shores Moped Poker Run

March 26-28, 2010

The GWRRA Chapter E - 3rd Annual Moped Poker Run and Surf Watch will be held on March 26-28, 2010 in Ocean Shores, Washington (WA) Check-In will begin at the Polynesian Resort at 9:30am. Moped's out at 10am. Entry fee of $10/Pre-Registration, and $12/Day of for each person. There will be a Poker Run, Miniature Golf Competition, Live and Silent Auction, Cash Prizes, and more. http://www.motorcyclemonster.com/events/Moped-Poker-Run-2010-03-26-Ocean_Shores-WA.html

Razor Clam Festival & Chowder Cook-Off

March 27, 2010

Celebrating the natural bounty of "Coastal Living," this annual event kicks off Friday evening with a coronation dance honoring the Clam King & Queen. Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., features a pancake breakfast, artisan marketplace, children's activities, live entertainment, dancing, cultural exhibits and the highly anticipated Clam Chowder Cook-Off. Come and cast your vote for the best professional & non-professional chowder on the Beach.

Razor Clam Dig Coming Up!
After a stormy New Year's opener, razor clam diggers will get another chance to hit the beach for a five-day opening scheduled to begin Jan. 27 if marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) also announced tentative plans for a razor-clam dig in late February, pending the results of another round of marine toxin tests.

For the dig planned this month, Long Beach and Twin Harbors are tentatively scheduled to open on evening tides Jan. 27-31, with digs also planned at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches Jan. 29-31. In addition, the National Park Service has scheduled a two-day dig Jan. 30-31 at Olympic National Park's Kalaloch beach to coincide with those at the other beaches. Digging at all five beaches will be restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.

Digging days and tides for Ocean Shores are:

Friday, Jan. 29, (5:58 p.m., -1.5 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

Saturday, Jan. 30, (6:41 p.m., -1.5 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch

Sunday, Jan. 31, (7:23 p.m., -1.2 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch

A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2009 annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination fishing license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various options are available on the WDFW website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Beaches scheduled to open are:

• Long Beach, which extends from the Columbia River to Leadbetter Point.
• Twin Harbors Beach, which extends from the mouth of Willapa Bay north to the south jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor.
• Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River, and includes the Copalis, Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas.
• Mocrocks Beach, which extends from the Copalis River to the southern boundary of the Quinault Reservation near the Moclips River, including Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips.
• Kalaloch Beach, which extends from the South Beach Campground to Brown's Point (just south of Beach Trail 3) in the Olympic National Park.

In addition, WDFW has tentatively scheduled a late-February dig on the following dates and locations:

• Friday, Feb. 26, (4:49 p.m., -0.7) Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Saturday, Feb. 27, (5:34 p.m., -0.9) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
• Sunday, Feb. 28, (6:16 p.m., -0.8) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrock, Kalaloch

Beach News

This is where I get mine lately:

Jeff Daniel
Associate Broker Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties Cell Phone: 360.581.9020
749 Point Brown Ave NW PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 360.289.3111 (fax)

Interested in real estate in Ocean Shores or Grays Harbor County, Washington? Contact Steven Simmons and Marti Schmidt: Your team of Ocean Shores Realtors at www.theoceaniscalling.com or 360-589-2439 for more information regarding available vacant lots, condos and homes.

Let us help make your dream of owning property at the Ocean a reality!

Interested in real estate in Ocean Shores or Grays Harbor County, Washington? Contact Steven Simmons and Marti Schmidt: Your team of Ocean Shores Realtors at www.theoceaniscalling.com or 360-589-2439 for more information regarding available vacant lots, condos and homes.

Let us help you make your dream of owning property at the Ocean a reality!

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