Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Little Is In ~ Tiny Beach Homes are Selling Fast!

Little Is In!
It’s no secret that 2009 was a horrible year for home builders. In fact, 2009 was the worst year that builder’s have seen in Ocean Shores since 2004 with only 44 new spec homes sold, according to the NWMLS. That number it seems is already on an upswing in 2010. One major sign that changes are coming is with the number of “presales,” which is the sale of a new spec home before construction has even begun. As of February 17th, three new presales have gone pending on the NWMLS website. That’s more presales already in the first month and a half of 2010 than we saw in all of 2009!
What’s most exciting about these new sales is the size of these new homes. They are tiny! The average number of square feet in these little beach cabins is 768 square feet. The average size of a home sold in Ocean Shores last year was 1415 square feet. The average price per square foot for this new construction is $143.43.
Most buyers of a brand new little beach cabin are second home buyers looking to own their cute getaway at the beach. We’re actually seeing some people buy them to live in fulltime now too!
Prices are definitely more affordable now for getaway buyers looking for a little cabin at the beach and there’s a wide variety of makes and models from 672 square feet on up. The entry level model starts at $115,900.
Small houses (and particular, small houses at the beach!) are attracting many homebuyers seeking a great location, the convenience of having their own place without the hassle of a hotel room, the value of new construction and the affordability these homes offer. These are great short term and long term real estate investments as well.
Buyers don’t have time wait!
Factor in the looming deadlines to get those federal tax credits, buyers must be UNDER CONTRACT BY APRIL 30th and CLOSE BY JUNE 30th. Throw in the impending interest rate hikes, which should hit early this summer and there are plenty of incentives for buyers to act now.



Here are 10 reasons why Little Beach Cabins might be better than big ones...
1. Less Expensive to Purchase: Smaller houses are generally cheaper to buy than larger ones of similar construction and location unless something is really wrong...
2. Lower Property Taxes.
3. Cheaper to Heat in the wintertime: I guess I could say spring and fall around here too..
4. Less Expensive to Maintain: Replacing a roof on a little cabin is going to be a lot cheaper than a big house.
5. Easier to Clean: Again, less square footage to clean.
6. Less Space for Clutter.
7. Cheaper to Furnish.
8. Smaller Environmental Footprint: Less materials used in the process means lower energy consumption...
9. I’ve sold over 22% of all the brand new little beach cabins in Ocean Shores since 2008 and I work with more little cabin builders than anyone out here... So if you’re going to buy one, there’s a good chance you’ll end up working with me!
10. Because they’re cute and little is in.

If you want more information regarding these little cute little beach cabins, give me a call or send me an email. Thanks!

Jeff Daniel
New Homes Specialist
Residential Construction Certified
Vacation Home Specialist
Associate Broker/Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
360.581.9020
jeffgdaniel@hotmail.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

CityofOceanShores.com Newsletter ~ January 2010

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 2008. 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 2008. 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 2008. 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 2008. 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 SalesOnly 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 Sales3 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, 2010Second 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: 360.581.9020749 Point Brown Ave NW
PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
360.289.3111 (fax)