NEWER COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Lighthouse Design
Plenty of Room for Expansion
"D'Light Taco & Espresso" Drive-Thru & Indoor Seating

For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com

April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell

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

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATE

Unobstruted Views ~ Backs Airport
580 Duck Lake Dr NE

For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com

April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell

OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATE

Double Lot on Cul-De-Sac Near Beach
123 Aquila Ct

For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com

April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell

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 REAL ESTATE

Ocean Front Lot on Sand Dune Ave

For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com

April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell

 OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATE

Great Potential Views

Backs the Game Preserve ~ Unobstructed Views from a 2 or 3-story Home

For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com

April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell

 OCEAN SHORES REAL ESTATE

Check out these New Lot Listings

1)  Interior, cul-de-sac lot, near Downtown, the Beach & North Bay Park, $15K:  637 Rainbow Ct

2)  Interior, around the corner from the Cabana Pool & perkins Pond, $17K:  305 S. Wynoochee Dr

3)  Cul-de-sac, off Marine View Dr, Greenbelt behind lot, $19K:  256 Otter Ct

4)  Backs Airport, Tidelands & Bay, Unobstructed Views, $50K:  354 Olympic View Ave

5)  103' on Lake Minard Canal, Greenbelt behind lot to water's edge, Great View, $60K:  918 Coyote Ct

6)  60' on the Bay, True Bay front, Great View, Mostly Cleared, $150K:  132 Sunrise Ave

Click on the addresses above to view more pictures and info.

For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com

April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell

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

• The well-known and established gift shop, The Flying Cats, is moving into the north-wing of the Coldwell Banker building
• "Toast The Harbor" Food & Wine Festival has held over the weekend (Oct 10th) at the Ocean Shores Convention Center
• Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties is still the #1 listing and selling office in Grays Harbor County (per NWMLS data)

 

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

Homes $150K to $200K

Homes over $200K

Waterfront Homes

Lots Under $20K

Lots $20K to $35K

Waterfront Lots

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 2^nd/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

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:

• The new rules require lenders to provide the initial Truth in Lending (TIL) disclosure or place it in the mail within three business days after receiving a consumer's application for a mortgage loan, and before any fees are collected from the consumer (other than a reasonable fee for obtaining the consumer's credit history).
• The initial TIL is also required for loans secured by homes other than the consumer's principal residence, such as a second home.
• The delivery or mailing of these disclosures must occur at least seven business days before the loan closes (loan documents signed).
• If the annual percentage rate provided in the initial TIL given to the consumer changes more than 0.125%, lenders must provide corrected disclosures, which the borrower must receive at least three business days before signing loan documents.

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 loan closes before the work begins.
• The buyer has up to six months to complete the repairs or remodeling.
• Down payments as low as 3.5%.
• Less stringent qualifying requirements than conforming loans.

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 REAL ESTATE

Motivated Seller for Double Lot in Jetty Area on Cul-De-Sac

For more information about Ocean Shores, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com

April Swenson
Ocean Shores Washington Realtor
Associate Broker, Listing & Selling Agent, Marketing Specialist
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 cell