City of Ocean Shores Update ~ 3rd Quarter 2012

Greetings from the beach...

Sales are still pushing forward. Prices are creeping up. Foreclosures are fading away. We’re seeing slow & steady growth. Things aren’t so bad in the Ocean Shores real estate market…

Ocean Shores Residential Sales
Residential home sales dipped a little bit as only 43 homes during the 3^rd quarter compared to 50 in the second. Average sales prices for the same time frame jumped over 13%. This is the highest average sales price we’ve seen since 3^rd quarter last year. Every quarter this year has shown price gains and right now, it’s appearing that 4^th quarter will show a increase in average sales price as well.

Fifteen of the 43 homes (about a third) that sold during the 3^rd quarter were foreclosures. This number was nearly identical for 2^nd quarter. Almost half of all homes sold in the 1^st quarter were foreclosures or bank-owned so the number is getting smaller. The average price of a foreclosure sold this quarter was $106,537, while the average price of a non-distressed home was $163,461.

There are 41 homes currently pending for an average list price of $152,566 (up from $128,452 last quarter). The best news in this report is that only two of them are listed as foreclosures. We’ll see how it shakes out next month.

There are currently 257 (down from 263 last quarter) homes on the market. Only 14 or 6% (down from 30 or 11.4% last quarter) of these are distressed properties (government or bank-owned foreclosures).  If you’re thinking of buying a beach house and are waiting for better prices, you better think again. Prices have been going up all year long. Foreclosures are going away. Rates are cheaper than ever. Now is the time to buy.

 Check out property listings from your smart phone here!  3rd Quarter 2012 Home Sales
The average home that sold last quarter in Ocean Shores was 1,378 square feet and took 193 days to sell. There are 257 Homes on the market (263 at the end of last quarter) ~ Average list price: $198,867 (down from $210,917 last quarter)… ~ Average of 303 Days on Market. One has now been on the market for 2,610 (again not my listing & this seller hasn’t reduced his price since September 2009…). There are 41 Homes pending (up from 25 at the end of last quarter)… ~ Average list price of those: $152,566 (up from $128,452 last quarter). Next quarter should be good…
Quarterly Home Sales
* 43 Homes Sold during 3rd Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price $143,638 ~ Average of 193 Days on Market. Price Range: $28,050- $400,000.

* 50 Homes Sold during 2nd Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price $126,399 ~ Average of 232 Days on Market. Price Range: $16,000- $375,000.
* 28 Homes Sold during 1st Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price $105,318 ~ Average of 207 Days on Market. Price Range: $12,000- $180,000.
* 56 Homes Sold during 4th Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $130,163 ~ Average of 213 Days on Market. Price Range: $32,905 - $360,000.
* 46 Homes Sold during 3rd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $153,207 ~ Average of 237 Days on Market. Price Range: $50,199 - $299,000.
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Want to know what's going on in the Ocean Shores Real Estate market more than once a quarter? Be a Fan & "Like" us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-Shores-Real-Estate/42604953991. Thanks! By the way, the contents of this newsletter were posted on the facebook page before you got this...

Ocean Shores Condo SalesCondo sales are still slow….
3rd Quarter 2012 Condo Sales
Three Condos sold during the 3rd quarter of 2012 totaling 7 condo sales this year so far. The only good news here is that the average price jumped from $26,750 from 1^st quarter to $72,500 for the 2^nd quarter to $146,667 for the 3^rd. Average time on the market was 269 days. There are 47 condos on the market right now (down from 51 last quarter) for an average list price of $127,409. Average time on market is 345 days. There is only one condo pending right now, but it’s a nice one (Waterworks) listed for $349,900.}Quarterly Condo Sales
* 3 Condos Sold during 3rd Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price: $146,667 ~ Average of 269 Days on Market. Price Range: $50,000 - $215,000.
* 2 Condos Sold during 2nd Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price: $72,500 ~ Average of 1141 Days on Market. Price Range: $55,000 - $90,000.
* 2 Condos Sold during 1st Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price: $27,750 ~ Average of 282 Days on Market. Price Range: $25,000 - $28,500.
* 6 Condos Sold during 4th Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $127,133 ~ Average of 190 Days on Market. Price Range: $5,000 - $220,000.
* 5 Condos Sold during 3rd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $144,520 ~ Average of 257 Days on Market. Price Range: $33,000 - $224,900.

Ocean Shores Vacant Lot Sales
Lot sale are going better now than they have in over a year. Final sales prices are definitely down, but activity is way up. This trend will likely continue until all of the cheap lots are gone. When that happens, sales will slow, but prices will start going up again. Buyers looking to score a cheap lot are going to need to do it within the next six months. I’ll be surprised if there are any cheap lots on the market next summer priced under $10,000…
3rd Quarter 2012 Vacant Lot Sales/Stats

There are 457 lots on the market compared to 461 last quarter. Average list price is $45,609 (down from $47,841 last quarter) and average time on the market is 286 days (one has been on the market now for 3,037 days and this seller hasn’t reduced his price since June of 2008….).  There are 11 lots pending right now (compared to 16 at the end of last quarter and 26 at the end of the first quarter).
Quarterly Vacant Lot Sales* 50 Lots Sold during 3rd Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price: $22,087 ~ Average of 433 Days on Market. Price Range: $4,500 - $95,000.
* 47 Lots Sold during 2nd Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price: $21,174 ~ Average of 307 Days on Market. Price Range: $5,000 - $64,000.
* 36 Lots Sold during 1st Quarter 2012 ~ Average Sales Price: $20,535 ~ Average of 383 Days on Market. Price Range: $6,500 - $60,000.
* 29 Lots Sold during 4th Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $31,724 ~ Average of 248 Days on Market. Price Range: $4,999 - $175,000.
* 42 Lots Sold during 3rd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $28,346 ~ Average of 303 Days on Market. Price Range: $6,000 - $127,000.

www.cityofoceanshores.com update
If you got a second, do me a favor and check out the updated www.cityofoceanshores.com website. Thanks! 

A Good Article about Websites with Real Estate ListingsWebsites operated by real estate brokerages have more accurate information on for-sale listings in 11 major markets than third-party listing portals Zillow and Trulia.” http://www.inman.com/news/2012/10/3/redfin-study-knocks-zillow-trulia-listings-accuracy

Click on the little dude with a shovel in his hands for something to do every day in Ocean Shores & Grays Harbor!

Upcoming Things to Do in Ocean Shores

Razor Clam DiggingOctober 13-14
The first dig of the year is coming right up. More digs will be announced shortly. Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/365-Things-To-Do-In-Ocean-Shores-Grays-Harbor-County/105036989568282 to keep up with future clam digs.

8^th Annual Irish Music Festival
October 25-28
The West Coast's Largest Irish Music Festival. 6 stages, 4 venues and 20 great bands. Come tip a pint and kick up your heels Thursday October 20 through Sunday the 23th. For more information and a schedule of the bands and events visit www.galwaybayevents.com

Winter Fanta-Sea
November 23-25
Over 70 arts and crafts booths feature thousands of unique handmade items just in time for the holidays! Bring the kids, Santa will be there to listen to all of your Christmas wishes.

North Beach Singers Christmas CantataDecember 14-15
The North Beach Singers present Yuletide favorites to warm your heart, delight your senses, and welcome the Holiday Season. Admission is free, canned food donations appreciated and help support the local food bank.

 

Life's @ the Beach!

Jeff Daniel                  Managing Broker

John L. Scott Ocean Shores

Cell Phone: 360.581.9020
711 Point Brown Ave NW

Ocean Shores, WA 98569

360.289.2454 (fax)

CityofOceanShores.com 2011 Wrap-up

Greetings from the beach...

Another year has passed and the real estate market and the economy remain at the top of our lists of concerns. 2011 was a rough year for Ocean Shores. Local elections, a big wave that never happened and a local teenager marrying an old man from Hollywood pretty much stole the headlines. That said, it’s the beach and a lot of us here try not too worry much about the rest of the world because we’ve got waves, a lake & canals, a golf course, casino and the freshest air around…

Ocean Shores Residential Sales
The Ocean Shores residential real estate market declined even further in 2011. Home sales were down 5.5% while average sales prices declined just over 16%. Over 25% (43) of the 169 homes sold last year were either short sales or foreclosures. This high number of short-sales, bank-owned houses as well as repos from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have done some serious damage to Ocean Shores property values. The average price of one of these homes was only $104,422 compared to the overall average sales price of $143,192. The good news for now is that only a little over 11% of the 207 homes on the market today are either short sales or foreclosures. Hopefully that number will continue to shrink…

2011 Home Sales
The average home that sold last year in Ocean Shores was 1283 square feet and took 223 days to sell compared to 1395 square feet and 218 days in 2010. There are only 207 Homes on the market (there were 243 on October 1^st) ~ Average list price: $199,075 (which is only $55,883 more than the average sales price in 2011)… ~ Average of 294 Days on Market. One has been on the market for 2,341 days now (that’s almost 7 years!) in case you’re frustrated that your house hasn’t sold yet… There are only 20 Homes pending (which is not enough)… ~ Average list price of those: $119,728.
* 169 Homes sold in 2011 for an average sales price of $143,192 (cheapest was $32,905 – most expensive was $405,000).

* 179 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $170,724 (cheapest was $28,000 – most expensive was $520,000).
* 180 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $173,421 (cheapest was $31,500 – most expensive was $495,000).

2011 Quarterly Home Sales
* 56 Homes Sold during 4th Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $130,163 ~ Average of 213 Days on Market. Price Range: $32,905 - $360,000.
* 46 Homes Sold during 3rd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $153,207 ~ Average of 237 Days on Market. Price Range: $50,199 - $299,000.
* 32 Homes Sold during 2nd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $140,180 ~ Average of 181 Days on Market. Price Range: $42,750 - $265,000.
* 35 Homes Sold during 1st Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price $153,631 ~ Average of 260 Days on Market. Price Range: $44,000 - $405,000.

Want to know what's going on in the Ocean Shores Real Estate market more than once a quarter? Be a Fan & "Like" us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ocean-Shores-Real-Estate/42604953991. Thanks! By the way, the contents of this newsletter were posted on the facebook page before you got this...

Ocean Shores Condo Sales
Unlike houses and vacant lots, the condo market in Ocean Shores is on the rebound with a 26.7% increase in average sales prices! Last year, sales had dropped over 30% and average sales prices were down nearly 20%. 2010 was a terrible year for condo sales in Ocean Shores, but 2011 has clearly shown that the condo market has stabilized as inventory has finally cleared up and prices are quite realistic... now. Four significant changes in the condo market in 2011 were: Dreamscape sold off their remaining inventory; Ocean View Estates had a major price drop, the Gitchee Gumee decided to be a hotel again and The Villages condo project has finally died. This reduction in inventory has been huge.

2011 Condo Sales
The average condo that sold last year in Ocean Shores was 920 square feet and took 430 days to sell compared to 767 square feet and 339 days in 2010. There are only 39 condos on the market (compared to 137 last year at this time!) for an average list price of $138,997 (compared to $148,274 last year). There are 2 condos currently pending compared to none at this time last year. Average list price: $120,750.

* 17 Condos sold in 2011 for an average sales price of $141,906 (cheapest was $5,000 (time share) – most expensive was $224,900).
* 17 Condos sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $111,965 (cheapest was $25,000 – most expensive was $259,000).
* 25 Condos sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $138,468 (cheapest was $41,000 – most expensive was $350,000).

2011 Quarterly Condo Sales
* 6 Condos Sold during 4th Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $127,133 ~ Average of 190 Days on Market. Price Range: $5,000 - $220,000.
* 5 Condos Sold during 3rd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $144,520 ~ Average of 257 Days on Market. Price Range: $33,000 - $224,900.
* 3 Condos Sold during 2nd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $209,967 ~ Average of 1471 Days on Market. Price Range: $185,000 - $212,000.
* 3 Condos Sold during 1st Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price $108,000 ~ Average of 19 Days on Market. Price Range: $63,000 - $142,000.

Ocean Shores Vacant Lot Sales
The number of vacant land transactions decreased this year by 16.9% over last. The constant challenge of getting buyers to assume the Street LID or getting sellers to pay it off has proven to be a challenge in obtaining sales. Like last year, a lot of sellers rapidly dropped their prices to unload these lots to really low prices which did motivate numerous buyers to take advantage of the cheap pricing. 62 of the 136 lots sold this year sold for under $15,000. 24 of them sold for less than $10,000.

2011 Vacant Lot Sales
There are currently 416 lots on the market for an average list price of $49,007. There are 8 lots currently pending for an average list price of $17,143. It took 320 days to sell a vacant lot in 2010 compared to 265 days in 2011. One lot took 1951 days to sell…

* 136 Lots sold in 2011 for an average sales price of $27,987 (cheapest was $4,999 – most expensive was $175,000).
* 159 Lots sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $27,953 (cheapest was $5,000 – most expensive was $179,500).
* 134 Lots sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $34,968 (cheapest was $8,500 – most expensive was $155,000).

2011 Quarterly Vacant Lot Sales
* 29 Lots Sold during 4th Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $31,724 ~ Average of 248 Days on Market. Price Range: $4,999 - $175,000.
* 42 Lots Sold during 3rd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $28,346 ~ Average of 303 Days on Market. Price Range: $6,000 - $127,000.
* 36 Lots Sold during 2nd Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price: $25,873 ~ Average of 269 Days on Market Price Range: $6,500 - $145,000.
* 29 Lots Sold during 1st Quarter 2011 ~ Average Sales Price $26,355 ~ Average of 220 Days on Market Price Range: $7,500 - $130,000.

2011 Multifamily Sales
1 Multifamily Building sold in Ocean Shores in 2011 for $179,900. It was a 4-plex that was a foreclosure. 1 Multifamily Building sold in Ocean Shores in 2010 for $149,500. It was also a foreclosure.

2011 Commercial Property Sales
3 Commercial Properties sold in 2011 for an average price of $200,500 compared to 2 sales in 2010 for an average sales price of $350,000.

Total Real Estate Sales for all of Grays Harbor
2011 – 1038 Transactions with a total volume of $112,102,309.
2010 – 987 Transactions with a total volume of $115,558,046.
2009 - 936 Transactions with a total volume of $120,726,549.

Harbor Home Sales
695 Homes sold in Grays Harbor County in 2011. Average price: $134,342.
652 Homes sold in Grays Harbor County in 2010. Average price: $145,991.
626 Homes sold in Grays Harbor County in 2009. Average price: $152,428.
Harbor Home Sales Summary
Ocean Shores – 169 Homes sold
Aberdeen – 161 Homes sold
Hoquiam – 97 Homes sold
Elma – 57 Homes sold
Westport – 49 Homes sold
Montesano – 44 Homes sold
McCleary – 26 Homes sold
Cosmopolis – 22 Homes sold
Pacific Beach – 20 Homes sold
Oakville – 14 Homes sold
Grayland – 13 Homes sold
Copalis Beach – 10 Homes sold

Harbor Condo Sales
31 Condos sold in Grays Harbor County in 2011. Average price: $137,858.
41 Condos sold in Grays Harbor County in 2010. Average price: $124,232.
43 Condos sold in Grays Harbor County in 2009. Average price: $159,185.

Ocean Shores vs Westport Condo Sales
Westport – 13 (22 in 2010) Condos sold in 2011: Average price: $134,323.
Ocean Shores – 17 (17 in 2010) Condos sold in 2011. Average price: $141,906.

Harbor Vacant Lot Sales
263 Vacant Lots sold in Grays Harbor County in 2011. Average price: $43,800.
240 Vacant Lots sold in Grays Harbor County in 2010. Average price: $43,099.
206 Vacant Lots sold in Grays Harbor County in 2009. Average price: $44,004.
Harbor Vacant Lot Sales Summary
Ocean Shores – 136 Lots sold
Montesano – 53 Lots sold
Westport – 10 Lots sold
Hoquiam – 10 Lots sold
Elma – 9 Lots sold
Aberdeen – 7 Lots sold
Copalis Beach – 7 Lots sold
McCleary – 7 Lots sold
Pacific Beach – 7 Lots sold

Check out property listings from your smart phone here!

Washington Coastal Community Comparisons
Residential sales on Washington’s coast were down for the most part. Some areas were actually up though. Below is a comparison of the four major coastal areas.

Ocean Shores / Ocean City
* 171 Homes sold in 2011 for an average sales price of $143,482. Total volume was $24,535,361.
* 181 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $169,776. Total volume was $30,726,526.
* 184 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $172,641. Total volume was $31,765,961.

Westport / Grayland
* 62 Homes sold in 2011 for an average sales price of $126,160. Total volume was $7,821,944.
* 42 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $133,945. Total volume was $5,625,700.
* 29 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $173,594. Total volume was $5,034,237.

Seabrook / Copalis Beach / Moclips / Pacific Beach
* 34 Homes sold in 2011 for an average sales price of $269,781. Total volume was $9,172,538.
* 23 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $273,591. Total volume was $6,292,590.
* 27 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $253,987. Total volume was $6,857,650.

Long Beach / Ocean Park
* 133 Homes sold in 2011 for an average sales price of $149,703. Total volume was $19,910,500.
* 150 Homes sold in 2010 for an average sales price of $161,531. Total volume was $24,229,648.
* 145 Homes sold in 2009 for an average sales price of $171,855. Total volume was $24,919,005.

I Moved
On a personal note, I’ve gone green and joined most of my fellow agents/brokers from Coldwell Banker and I’m now at the John L. Scott office conveniently located right next to McDonalds in the heart of downtown. I’m pretty darn excited about this move as most people like the John L. Scott corporate website much better than the old one. John L. Scott now is the top-producing brokerage in Ocean Shores with the most brokers, listings and sales. Thanks!

Website Updates
Also, do me a favor and check out the updated www.cityofoceanshores.com website (I’ve made lots of changes/additions) and let me know if you have any comments. Thanks!

Click the sign for something to do every day in Ocean Shores & Grays Harbor!

Upcoming Things to Do in Ocean Shores

Razor Clam Dig

Friday, January 20 - Saturday, January 21

The evening low tide on Friday is at 4:28 p.m. and on Saturday at 5:17 p.m. It's best to hit the beach an hour or two before low tide for best results.

Antique & Collectible Show

Saturday, February 11 - Sunday, February 12th

Join us along with over 60 vendors for Valentine's Day weekend!

Beachcombers Fun Fair

Saturday, March 3 - Sunday, March 4

25th Annual event featuring exhibits, seminars, info booths & vendors.

Razor Clam Festival & Chowder Cook-Off

Saturday, March 24

The event features a pancake breakfast, artisan marketplace, kid's activities, entertainment, dancing, Clam Chowder cook-off & more.

Life's @ the Beach!

Jeff Daniel
Managing Broker

John L. Scott Ocean Shores

Cell Phone: 360.581.9020
711 Point Brown Ave NW

Ocean Shores, WA 98569

360.289.2454 (fax)

This message (including attachment if any) is confidential and may be privileged. If you have received this message by mistake please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete this message from your system. Any unauthorized use or dissemination of this message in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

CityofOceanShores.com Newsletter ~ March 2010

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Ocean-Shores-WA/Ocean-Shores-Real-Estate/42604953991

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

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)

Remodelers' Weatherization Programs Help Homeowners Prepare for Winter

Remodelers' Weatherization Programs Help Homeowners Prepare for Winter

RELATED LINKSHouse Wrap Helps Protect Homes Against Weather
Des Plaines, Illinois, October 6, 2009—Winter is right around the corner and in honor of Energy Awareness Month, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) recommends making energy-efficient upgrades as a way for homeowners to prepare for the season. Many remodelers are offering weatherization programs to help them reduce energy costs.
Mark of Excellence Remodeling is one such remodeling company that recently introduced a weatherization program. "The programs are funded by both state and federal governments, and the purpose is to raise consumer awareness of the types of upgrades that are needed to make homes more energy efficient," says Neil Parsons, vice president of sales and marketing for Mark of Excellence Remodeling, West Long Branch, N.J.
Weatherization is a term to describe various improvements made to buildings and homes to optimize energy efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), on average, weatherization reduces heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by about $350 per year at current prices.
Through an evaluation known as an energy audit, homeowners are given a detailed report identifying problem areas in the home. Typical energy improvements include air sealing, insulation, ventilation systems or installation of green appliances approved by Energy Star.
"As consumers become aware that our energy resources are depleting and costs are rising with each year, energy efficiency is becoming a relevant topic in home improvement projects," says William E. Carter, president of NARI.
Even though each state provides slightly different programs with a variation of incentives, all of them provide the same benefits to homeowners.
"Homeowners notice their return on investment instantly after making energy upgrades in their utility bills. The other benefits are the rebates, the increase in home value from making the improvements, increased performance and durability and helping out the planet by conserving energy for future generations," Parsons says.
It's important to make upgrades now because soon most of the country will be entering the time of year when most of a home's energy consumption occurs. The DOE estimates that 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home comes from heating and cooling, making it the largest energy expense for most homes.
"Most believe that remodelers are busiest during the summer, but in actuality, the busiest time is during the fall when temperatures drop and homeowners start to feel drafts in their homes and are worried about heating costs," Parson says.
Another time factor is the program deadlines. Many state programs last until the end of the year, and energy-efficient improvements must be made within the specified time period to be eligible for rebates. To learn more about your state weatherization programs, visit http://www.dsireusa.org/.
However, Parsons doesn't think any of the weatherization programs will be going away for good. "Most likely, programs will be extended or modified after deadlines as the government continues to put a high premium on increasing energy efficiency," he says.
If you are considering an energy upgrade, there is no better time than now. "Homeowners who are considering this should seek out a certified contractor that you can trust to give you sound advice about making your home more efficient," Parson says.
This includes advice about making upgrades that fit within your budget. "There's no law that says you need to make all of the improvements at once. Make improvements you can afford now and continue the rest in a couple years," he says.
If you are planning a home remodel, NARI Remodelers can help homeowners find contractors who will take care of the entire remodeling process. Log on to http://www.nariremodelers.com to find a remodeler in your area. For green remodeling information, please visit www.greenremodeling.org.