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CityofOceanShores.com Newsletter ~ 2009 Year End Wrap UpPosted at 9:27 AM on Jan. 31, 2010
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 * 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. 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. 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! 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 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 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 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
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 March 26-28, 2010 Razor Clam Festival & Chowder Cook-Off March 27, 2010 Ocean Shores Real Estate Homes For Sale
It's the Season!
Spring Time means Whale Migration Time!
It's starting to look a lot like spring with daffodils blooming and new leaves taking shape on the trees. Along the coast, spring time means whale time! The season typically begins in late March to coincide with the migration of gray whales, which often stop to feed in Grays Harbor on their annual trip from Baja, CA to feeding grounds in Alaska. The season lasts until the end of May. While many people will venture out to watch the whales on a charter boat, I prefer
to save a coin and watch them from the comforts of the high sand dunes at the North Jetty. As it stands, most of the charters venture to the area between Westport and Ocean Shores, known as the "whale hole" in hopes of spotting the mammals. You can watch this area from the Jetty. Bring your binoculars. In addition to gray whales, it's not uncommon at all to watch sea lions and Pacific Harbor porpoises nosing around the Jetty. If you get lucky, you'll see some Orca whales inside the harbor. This is a real treat. It's not often, but sometimes people get lucky and will see a humpback whale or two passing by. This is one of my favorite times to be at the beach...
How to enjoy Spring Break in Ocean Shores Spring Break is coming up for a lot of families and Ocean Shores remains a top destination for folks from all over the Northwest who flock to Ocean Shores to getaway from it all. Here's a few free activities to consider other than enjoying the beach of course: 1. Check out Damon Point State Park at the southern end of town. It's a good 3 hour walk to the end of Protection Island and back but well worth it. 2. Visit the Interpretive Center to get a sense of history of this place (educational). 3. Enjoy a nature's walk throughout the Weatherwax property. 4. Visit the North Jetty during low tide to visit the starfish, crabs, sea urchins and more as the low tides exposes these creatures. 5. Don't forget to get out and go sightseeing. You really can't get lost driving around in Ocean Shores. Just remember that there's only one road in and out of Ocean Shore. If that's not enough, head North and drive up State Route 109 to visit the tiny towns of Copalis Beach, Pacific Beach, Seabrook and Moclips. Some of the sights up there are just amazing. This hilarious picture was emailed to me recently with the following headline: "Trampolines Banned in Ocean Shores!" On Saturday, the festival will run from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Convention Center and will feature both amateur and professional chowder cook-off divisions and a professional only "creative clam entrée" contest. The Chamber is very honored to have celebrity chef Kathy Casey with them this year as head judge for the professional categories. Casey is celebrated as a pioneer in northwest cuisine and has gained national prominence as one of the first female executive chefs in the United States. Kathy is also is a razor clam digging enthusiast! The winners of the cook-offs will again enjoy boasting rights for an entire year as having the "Best Chowder and/or Creative Clam Entrée on the Washington Coast". Other activities will include a pancake breakfast, the awarding of the "Best Decorated Clam Shovel or Clam Gun"; a salute to the businesses of Ocean Shores; the Artisan Craft Marketplace, featuring over 40 Northwest artists and crafters with unique and indigenous works; children's activities and games; live entertainment; information about coastal heritage, conservation and cultural exhibits; a beer and wine bar; and great food all setting the stage for the low tide that morning and the scheduled clam dig. Admission is free with nominal fees for chowder sampling. About Kathy Casey Kathy Casey is a celebrity chef, mixologist, TV and radio personality, and author of nine cookbooks, including the James Beard-nominated Kathy Casey's Northwest Table. Her newest book is Sips & Apps. As one of the first female executive chefs in the United States, Kathy was featured as one of Food and Wine's hot new American chefs. Kathy founded Kathy Casey Food Studios and Liquid Kitchen, a food and beverage consulting firm and research and development facility. She is also owner of Dish D'Lish cafes and specialty food line. When not dreaming up the next big thing, Kathy can be found foraging for wild mushrooms, digging razor clams and harvesting kiwis from her urban garden. For more information, visit www.kathycasey.com Well, it's not really here yet (one can wish!) and apparently a little gopher or groundhog or whatever he is decided to give us a few more weeks of winter. However, there are no groundhogs out here at the beach, so it doesn't count! Plus, it sure doesn't feel like winter around here as it's been sunny and warm most of the past week... Scenes at the beach Not much happens out here at the beach, but a few events managed to make headlines last year.... * Hundreds of mysterious silver-colored canisters that once contained rat poison washed up on our beaches... * Ocean Shores was featured as one of the top 16 most affordable coastal communities in Coastal Living magazine... * The Fire Department moved forward with the construction of a new 20,000 square foot fire station on Point Brown Avenue... * The Grays Harbor County Commissioners approved a $3 million dollar loan to construct a new water system just outside of town... * The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a permit for the Grays Harbor Ocean Energy Co. to conduct a feasibility study for generating power from wind and wave energy off of our coast. Hopefully coming soon... * The Weatherwax property - an undeveloped 120 acre forest tract near the center of town - will stay that way... * The local election brought us a strong mayor in Ocean Shores for the first time (rather than an appointed one). We also found out that Mayor Dean Bunkers is the highest paid government official in Grays Harbor County (never came up during the election interestingly enough) just before he announced the layoffs of eight city employees. * The beach had more snowfall than most can remember this past December. It sure doesn't feel like global warming these days... It's no secret that 2008 was a horrible year for most if not all businesses (except Walmart of course) in the country. Here are some numbers regarding Ocean Shores real estate: * 189 Lots sold in 2008 for an average sales price of $47,799 compared to 322 Lots sold in Ocean Shores during 2007 for an average sales price of $54,655. Ouch. 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, real estate is doing pretty good in Ocean Shores. * Ocean Shores sold 206 Homes and 189 Lots in 2008 compared to 241 Homes and 322 Lots in 2007. * Seabrook/Pacific Beach sold 5 Homes and 1 Lot in 2008 compared to 16 Homes and 16 Lots in 2007. * Westport sold 29 Homes and 8 Lots in 2008 compared to 51 Homes and 22 Lots in 2007. * Long Beach sold 43 Homes and 15 Lots in 2008 compared to 73 Homes and 39 Lots in 2007. 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! On a personal note, I would very much like to thank everyone who helped me in becoming the #1 agent in not only Ocean Shores, but all of Grays Harbor County as well. -all real estate statistics are supplied by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. Here's a list of Sweet Deals for Sale at the Beach! Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are at 5 percent now, and last week there were suggestions that the federal government might try to drive them down to 4.5 percent, a truly incredible figure to be able to lock in for three decades. Low inventory, low prices and cheap money are all in play assuming you've got great credit, steady income and a down payment... just like the old days when those who could afford to buy a house did and those who couldn't, didn't... Anyway, when this crisis has ended and housing prices are up again, will you look in the mirror and realize that you missed out on this golden opportunity to get in cheap? Or, will you NOT be kicking yourself because you took advantage of what is likely to turn out to be the buying opportunity of a lifetime... The weather during the month of October has been so nice and warm out here on the beach lately. Guess that makes up for our not-so-nice summer this past year. These are the months that I really enjoy because the tourists are pretty much gone, the weather is actually nicer and I have the beach all to myself! Not really, but at least it doesn't look like a parking lot out there anymore. Ocean Shores Real Estate Update 10 Things About Ocean Shores You Probably Don't Know (Unless You Live Here) 1. Deer are everywhere. They cross the streets without looking. They stand around and hangout everywhere - the beach, your front yard, the side of the road.... everywhere. Seeing two or three deer grazing on the side of the road is no big deal. Seeing a big three point buck grazing on a vacant lot is normal. They have the right-of-way. Oh, the deer aren't really afraid of people or cars either. I've had them eat an apple and some Doritos out of my hand before. No, you can't take one home. 2. When it rains here, the rain comes down at an angle most of the time - sometimes sideways. 3. There are 23 miles of interconnecting freshwater lakes and canals in Ocean Shores. Fishing, boating, waterskiing, playing and just flat out relaxing is all encouraged. Where else can you have a lot or a house on freshwater with a dock and then be only a minute from the beach? 4. The bumpy roads are disappearing... Every inch of every road in Ocean Shores has either already been replaced with brand new asphalt or it will be soon. By the spring of 2010, the city will have completely repaved Ocean Shores. 5. The beach here is actually classified as a State Highway where the speed limit of 25 mph is strictly enforced. No dirt bikes or quads, but your car is just fine. Stay out of the soft sand unless you want to get stuck. Donuts in the sand are a no-no! 6. When it's really, really nice in the Puget Sound area (like in the upper '80s and up), it's very likely that for a good part of the day, Ocean Shores will be fogged out (the hot air mixing with the cold ocean water). And on the other hand, when it's crappy in the Puget Sound, there's a good chance it's nice here. Typically, our nicest (warmest) weather is in the months of May, June, September and October. 7. Nearly every home and camping lot has a campfire pit on it. Campfires are welcome year 'round. Most people keep them in the backyard. 8. Its crazy with wildlife here. Forget the deer - they're pretty much domesticated. It's the raccoons, possums, bear, rabbits, beavers, otters, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, blue heron, seagulls, ducks, geese, pelicans, seals, sea lions, whales, porpoises and the occasional shark that are all eye candy. 9. It rarely ever floods here. When it rains heavy (mainly during the winter months), most of the water runoff ends up in the canals and lakes. That water level is controlled by a man-made overflow at the sound end of the Grand Canal. When the canal water level exceeds the height of the overflow, freshwater then spills into Grays Harbor. This can also be reversed when we have an extreme high tide and ocean water can enter the canal and lake system. 10. This is a great place to raise a family. There's the new elementary school, its safe here, there are tons of free outdoor activities and plenty of organizations for children to get involved with. More than anything, even though Ocean Shores is Washington's most visited seaside destination, this small town is perfect for raising a kid. |
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