![]() |
|
|
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!
Beach Updates
Happy Birthday 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:
In addition, WDFW has tentatively scheduled a late-February dig on the following dates and locations:
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 you make your dream of owning property at the Ocean a reality!
![]() |
|
|
Bring you family and friends to Ocean Shores for razor clam digging in January and February!
Dates tentatively scheduled are:
Friday, Jan. 29, (5:58 p.m., -1.5 ft.)
Saturday, Jan. 30, (6:41 p.m., -1.5 ft.)
Sunday, Jan. 31, (7:23 p.m., -1.2 ft.)
In addition, WDFW has tentatively scheduled a late-February dig on the following dates:
Friday, Feb. 26, (4:49 p.m., -0.7)
Saturday, Feb. 27, (5:34 p.m., -0.9)
Sunday, Feb. 28, (6:16 p.m., -0.8)
A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Razor-clam only licenses are also available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.
To prevent injury to both shellfish and people, please fill in the holes you dig.
Best digging occurs between 1 and 2 hours before low tide. All digging must be completed by midnight each day.
Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
For more information contact: WDFW 360-249-4628 or http://wdfw.wa.gov/.
You can purchase your gear and a license at ACE Hardware in Ocean Shores.
Come and dig with us! If you don't know how to dig, contact us.
For the first time in 6 years, this clam day may possibly be cancelled due to PSP toxin levels in the shellfish. The final decision will be made Jan 28. http://wdfw.wa.gov/ .
Steven Simmons & Marti Schmidt
REALTORS®.
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
749 Pt Brown Ave NW Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360-589-2439 phone
theoceaniscalling.com website
schmidtsimmons@theoceaniscalling.com e-mail
http://activerain.com/blogs/gotvette blog
http://theoceaniscalling.postlets.com/ OUR LISTINGS
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/myseattlepix/photographer.asp?userID=105961 PHOTOS
http://twitter.com/schmidtsimmons TWITTER

![]() |
|
|
Not much happens out here at the beach, but a few events have managed to make headlines so far this year... * January brought over 6 inches of that white stuff to the beach. It's pretty rare and very cool to see snow covering our sandy beaches as waves crash onto them. Pretty cool to go surfing in the snow too! * March was a special month as Ocean Shores had its first bank robbery ever! The crazy gal took a few hundred bucks, drove a few hundred feet, then called 911 and turned herself in... I guess it's a good thing that the thieves out here aren't that bright. The bad news is that in less than 3 years, she'll be back... * After three long years of repaving all the streets in Ocean Shores to get rid of all the potholes, etc., the City Council decided to reduce most of the speed limits throughout the city for no good reason whatsoever. * The only doctor's office in town shut down. Some say the 30 minute drive to Hoquiam to see a doctor is a lot quicker and less inconvient than the extra 3 hour wait it used to take in the old Coastal Family Medicine office though... * The city restocked the lakes & canals with grass carp in hopes that the slimy buggers will eat all the weeds... * The second best meatball in America is in Ocean Shores as Sandy Blessing's "Italian Meatball Tortes" took second place in the Taste of Home America's Best Loved Recipes Contest.... * For the first time in a few years, there were no significant fires in the dunes during the 4th of July celebration this year after discussions of shutting down fireworks usage on the beach. * Ocean Shores got some real suds as the Elk Head Tap Room opened up to much delight this year. Bottoms up. * The new supersized fire station recently opened on Point Brown Avenue. * In December, the mighty 4-Way Stop Signs finally came down in the City Center as the new Roundabout finally came to life. The roundabout is actually pretty cool and will be a huge relief once everyone learns how to property drive a roundabout... If you don't know how, click "HERE".
Beach Updates
Top Stories of 2009
Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
Sales slowed down a little bit during November, but really not as bad as some people thought that they would have. The new and improved and extended tax credit actually seems to be helping things along. On a positive note, condo sales are up at the beach this month to their highest level all year. Positive news from the national level seems to be rubbing off a little bit too. Next month, I'll have a 2009 year in review.
October Home Sales
Home sales dipped for the first time in five months as only 16 homes sold in November - down from 24 houses that sold in October. Average price was $160,673 - up from $148,270 for last month. There are currently 23 homes pending in Ocean Shores right now - down from 25 homes pending last month. There's only 179 homes on the market versus 202 last month and 215 in September. Home inventory is still shrinking which should increase prices. Average price for a single family home is $237,289 - up from $225,552 last month.
October Vacant Lot Sales
9 Lots sold in November - down from 11 sold in October. Average selling price was $30,378. The cheapest one was $14,500 and the most expensive was a lake lot coming in at $90,000. Average time on the market for sold lots was 349 days - up from 260 days last month. Two of the lots that sold were on the market for over 1,000 days. There are currently 9 lots that are pending around town... There's 493 lots on the market right now - down from 528 lots in October.
October Condo Sales
Condo sales were huge in the month of November - mainly due to the new Short Sale pricing going on at the Dreamscape Condos down at the North Jetty. Six condos closed during November at the beach. Average price was $135,653 - up from $117,750 last month and up from $88,833 in September. Still good news in condo sales is that there are currently 6 of them pending right now - up from 4 pending last month. Condos look to be selling again at the beach! There are 88 condos on the market - down from 97 last month.
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
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.
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.
click the logo and be a fan of Ocean Shores Real Estate
Razor Clam Dig on New Years Eve!
Clam diggers have got the go-ahead to proceed with an evening razor-clam dig starting Thursday, December 31st. Don't forget to bring a flashlight!
Digs at all beaches will be held on evening tides, with digging restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.
Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, advises clam diggers to check weather and surf forecasts before heading out.
Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
Digging days and tides are:
Thursday, Dec. 31 (6:16 p.m. -1.1 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
Friday, Jan. 1 (7:01 p.m. -1.8 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
Saturday, Jan. 2 (7:45 p.m. -1.6 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
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:
Razor Clam Logo Contest
If this is your cup of chowder, the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce is having a new logo contest for the 2010 Razor Clam Festival. Entries will be accepted until December 31st, and can be mailed to PO Box 382, OS or dropped at the Chamber's office located at 873 Pt Brown Ave NW. The winner gets a cash prize of $250 and will see their work on all of the festival's marketing material celebrating the 2010 event. For more info, call the chamber at 360.289.2451.
Beach News
This is where I get mine:
Happy Holidays Everyone!!!
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)
![]() |
|
|
Things To Do In Ocean Shores, WA.
Antique Stores: Discover a treasure trove of wonderful shops with just the right collectible.
Arcades: Several are open daily in summer and weekends in winter.
Art & Photo Galleries: Wonderful venues feature the work of talented local artists.
Beachcombing: Our number one activity can be enjoyed all year long. Walk the miles of Ocean beach or explore Damon Point overlooking harbor entrance.
Community Club: Members enjoy the views from The Bayshore Clubhouse. Indoor pool, fitness Center, computer room, game room, arcade, cafe (hot spot), basketball court, TV and meeting room, outdoor play area, hot tub & sauna. Swim during summer at 2 outdoor pools. Play tennis at Pacific Park. Host family gatherings at Bill Ellis Park, our Lakeside park with open cabana and playground. Play tennis at Pacific Park.
Tennis: Courts located at West Court Loop and North Bay park.
Bicycling: Bring your own or rent to explore relatively flat terrain.
Billiards/Pool: Available at several locations.
Boating: There are 23 miles of interconnecting freshwater Lakes and Canals in Ocean Shores. Boat launches are located at North Bay and Chinook Park. Launch into Bay at Marina.
Bird Watching: Ocean Shores is one of the premier bird watching sites. BRING YOUR CAMERA! The Ocean Shores Visitor Information Center has maps.
Bowling: The state-of-the-art Shores Bowl has shoes and balls available.
Bumper Boats: Enjoy at several locations.
Bus Tour: Get on a city bus and ride all over Ocean Shores for a view of residential areas.
Casino: The upscale Casino (1-1/2 miles outside of town) is a favorite of locals as well as visitors.
Clam Digging: World famous razor clams are one of our claims to fame. Fun to dig, better to eat! Ace Hardware has licenses and equipment.
Electric Boats: Explore 23 miles of interconnecting Lakes and Canals on electric boat that seats 10!
Espresso: Available at a variety of locations.
Fishing: Surf fishing is the best near the North Jetty and from Damon Point. Freshwater fishing is available on the Lakes and Canals. Licenses and equipment are available at Ace.
Gift & Specialty Shops: Over 50 shops have many unique items.
Go Carts: Fun for the whole family!
Golf: We boast the only golf course on the Washington coast! The municipal course is a public, 18-hole PGA rated championship course, with a driving range for irons only. 360-289-3357.
Weatherwax Property: Wander through trails in this 120-acre old growth forest.
Lodging: There are plenty of hotel/motel rooms Oceanside on Ocean Shores Blvd. 3 campgrounds are in area.
Restaurants: A variety of restaurants from down-home cooking to Chinese.
Our streets are being repaved with many already completed so don't forget your sport car, skate board, bicycle and scooter!
Ocean Shores is a six-by-two mile wide Peninsula in Southwestern Washington state and is a recreational paradise for the outdoor enthusiast offering beautiful scenery and countless amenities!
There are several public beach approaches and foot paths in the City so everyone may access miles of Ocean beaches!

We boast an 18-hole championship Golf Course, small craft Airport, Community Club, 10 parks with 2 outdoor swimming pools and boat launches, Lakefront park (Weatherwax property) with nature trails winding throughout a hundred-acre forest, 5-mile freshwater Lake with 23 miles of interconnecting Canals on which to boat, ski or fish and a smaller Lake surrounded by a walking path.


Great Bass & Trout fishing in Duck Lake and Canals! Ski and innertube.


The viewing of wildlife is breathtaking.


Parks are scattered throught City for your enjoyment. These parks include boat launches, fishing docks, swimming pools, basketball and tennis courts, playfields, cabanas w/BBQ pits, horseshoe pits and more!




In addition, we have numerous shops, galleries, and our own Community Club. This club offers a wide variety of activities, including several pools and exercise facilities. It currently costs only $145.00 per year.

Ocean Shores offers View, Golf Course, Ocean, Jetty, Bay, Lake and Canalfront homes and camping/building lots.

The most importand asset of any City is quality of life it has to offer. Ocean Shores has endless recreational amenities, parks, fresh air, no traffic congestion and miles of public beach and waterways to explore!
The pictures below best describes our frantic pace of life.......won't you come and make memories with your loved ones?

Want more information about purchasing or selling real estate in this resort community at the Ocean? Call Steven Simmons or Marti Schmidt: Your Ocean Shores Realtors at 1-360-589-2439 or e-mail us at schmidtsimmons@theoceaniscalling.com for more information regarding available vacant lots and homes.
Steven Simmons & Marti Schmidt
REALTORS®.
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
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
© 2010 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved