April Swenson's Blog
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Ocean Shores News/Events: Ocean Shores & North Beach Newsletter/Market Update for April 2012
Posted Under: General Area in Ocean Shores, Market Conditions in Ocean Shores, In My Neighborhood in Ocean Shores | April 26, 2012 7:38 PM | 44 views | No commentsApril 2012
Ocean Shores/North Beach
Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
CRS & Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
aswenson25@juno.com 360-589-2777 cell/text www.OceanShoresInfo.com
NOTABLE NEWS & EVENTSSNOWY WHITE OWL SIGHTINGS 2012
Rare sightings of the Snowy White Owl down at the Damon Pt State Park/Protection Island. I personally saw these owls in January and April 2012. They are magnificent birds. There have been many visitors to Ocean Shores that have come just to see these birds. See more info, pictures and my videos at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/snowywhiteowl.html
ART SHOW 2012The 43rd Annual Photo & Fine arts Show was held April 20-22, 2012 in the Convention Center. See more info and pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/artshow2012.html
KITE SURFERS 2012More kite surfing took place off the shores at Damon Pt State Beach. I was able to get some more pictures in February during a beautiful sunny weekend. See more info, pictures and video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/kitesurfers.html
JANUARY 2012 SNOW STORMSOcean Shores, as well as the entire Northwest, were hit by 2 large storms that dumped about 6-12in. of snow in our beach town. See more info, pictures and video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/winterstormjan2012.html
CLAM DIGGINGSee my pictures of the popular Clam Digging. See more info, pictures and video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/clamdigging.html
MORE YOUTUBE VIDEOS UPLOADEDClick on the following links to see my new videos uploaded onto my YouTube site (http://www.youtube.com/AprilSwenson):
Snowy White Owls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq81pBwlXYchttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piGJYO-jfCM
Kite Surfers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XveYFTHfnug
Damon Pt State Beach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5fjD3yywaM
The Ocean & Beach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjsaVUGjfek
Jan 2012 Snow Storms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJo3RX0xIS4
OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS- The EMS Replacement Levy was passed by Ocean Shores voters (about 58% to 42%).
- The Library Replacement Levy has been narrowly defeated (51% to 49%), but the City Council has voted to put the Levy back on the voting ballot in November ($.247/$1,000 assessed compared to the defeated $.287/$1,000 assessed).
- Sewer Rates are expected to DROP by 10% by July. The City Council approved this measure after reading the Study that was completed. It equates to about a decrease of $4.86/bill (every 2 months).
- The WDFW (Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife) released about 1,000 Rainbow Trout into Duck Lake on March 28th (from the Humptulips Hatchery).
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 25th-27th ~ Grays Harbor County Expo: largest Irish music festival on the West Coast.June 2nd-4th ~ International Kite Festival: huge kites fly over the downtown beaches. A Must See!
June 9th ~ Flag Day Parade: honor Old Glory with a parade in downtown Ocean Shores.
June 29th-July 1st ~ Five Star Dealerships Sand & Sawdust Festival: one of the best events in Ocean Shores. Sandcastle and woodcarving competitions. A Must See!
July 4th ~ Fireworks on the Beach: let off your own fireworks display on the beaches. Ocean City puts on a huge fireworks display too. A Must See!
BUYS IN OCEAN SHORESClick on the following links to view the MLS flyers for some good deals on properties in Ocean Shores:
MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
(1st-Quarter 2012: January 1st to March 31st)Activity (both inquiries and sales) have definitely increased since the beginning of the year, as I have personally experienced.
OCEAN SHORES MARKET:Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (1st Quarter of 2012):
Sold Homes
Sold Lots
Sold Condos
Sold Multi-Family
Sold Commercial1st-Quarter 2012
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Current Listings 220 465 46 4 15 750 Pendings 35 15 4 0 1 55 Solds 26 35 2 1 2 66 Sold Volume $2.88M $704,250 $53,500 $81K $240K $3.96M Sold Median Price $116,700 $19K $26,750 $81K $120K Avg. Days on Market (solds) 219 387 282 273 582
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (1st Quarter of 2012):
Sold Homes
Sold Land1st-Quarter 2012
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Current Listings 55 100 1 1 7 164 Pendings 7 6 1 0 1 15 Solds 5 2 0 0 0 7 Sold Volume $799,500 $47K $0 $0K $0K $846,500 Sold Median Price $85K $23,500 $0 $0K $0K Avg. Days on Market (solds) 268 646 N/A N/A N/A NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.
“2011 Year-End Review” MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
Sorry I did not send out a “2011 Year-End Review” e-mail update, but I thought you still would like to see the final numbers. I have also included 4th-Quarter numbers for Ocean Shores and the North Beach.
OCEAN SHORES MARKET:
4th-Quarter 2011
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Solds 56 29 6 0 1 92 Sold Volume $7.29M $920K $762,800 $0K $77,500 $9.05M Sold Median Price $121,950 $18K $152,400 $0K $77,500 Avg. Days on Market (solds) 213 248 190 N/A 154 2011 Year-End
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Current Listings 213 460 39 2 12 725 Pendings 20 8 3 1 2 34 Solds 169 132 16 1 3 321 Sold Volume $24.2M $3.73M $2.29M $179,900 $601,500 $31M Sold Median Price $130K $17K $187,450 $179,900 $149K Avg. Days on Market (solds) 223 254 430 117 97
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:4th-Quarter 2011
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Solds 9 2 1 0 0 12 Sold Volume $2.46M $178,900 $115K $0K $0 $2.754M Sold Median Price $209,068 $89,450 $115K $0K $0 Avg. Days on Market (solds) 196 165 196 N/A N/A 2011 Year-End
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Current Listings 51 102 2 0 8 163 Pendings 5 1 0 0 0 6 Solds 38 23 1 0 0 62 Sold Volume $9.66M $1.81M $115K $0 $0 $11.59M Sold Median Price $257,035 $32,500 $115K $0 $0 Avg. Days on Market (solds) 237 360 216 N/A N/A
SOUTH BEACH (Westport/Grayland/Ocosta) MARKET:2011 Year-End
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Current Listings 110 123 10 2 9 221 Pendings 7 3 2 3 0 12 Solds 73 21 13 1 2 110 Sold Volume $9.15M $2.21M $1.76M $120K $421K $13.66M Sold Median Price $95K $50K $130K $120K $210,500 Avg. Days on Market (solds) 222 333 300 691 65
LONG BEACH PENINSULA (Ilwaco to Surfside Estates) MARKET:2011 Year-End
Homes
Land
Condos
Multi-
FamilyCommercial
Total
Current Listings 263 272 41 2 21 599 Pendings 15 1 0 1 2 19 Solds 167 63 14 1 6 251 Sold Volume $25.88M $2.66M $1.97M $140K $1.64M $32.29M Sold Median Price $130K $25K $121,325 $140K $240K Avg. Days on Market (solds) 238 335 181 109 339 NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.
FINANCING NEWSHARP CHANGES
HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program) has made changes to reach more home owners in need of some relief on their payments through refinancing to get a lower interest rate. If your loan is backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, you may be eligible for this refinance program. Here are some key points:
- HARP is now extended through the end of 2013.
- In order to be eligible, loans must have been purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac before May 31, 2009 and have loan-to-value ratios of at least 80%.
- The 125% LTV cap on fixed-rate mortgages has been eliminated (meaning, no LTV cap) (there is still an LTV cap of 105% on adjustable rate mortgages).
- To qualify, borrowers must be current on their mortgage for the last 6 months, and have no more than 1 late payment over the past year.
- New appraisals may not be needed to qualify.
POSITIVE NEWSInterest rates are still very low at around 4% with 0 points (depending on credit and down payment). Funding is available through FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans to buy primary and secondary homes in Ocean Shores and the North Beach.
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@bankofthepacific.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.
~ April Swenson
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777 (cell/text)Your Beach Destination Awaits You at the #1 Washington Coast Town!
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Ocean Shores News and Events: Photo and Fine Arts Show at the Convention Center ~ April 2012
Posted Under: General Area in Ocean Shores, Quality of Life in Ocean Shores, In My Neighborhood in Ocean Shores | April 24, 2012 4:19 PM | 44 views | No commentsOCEAN SHORES NEWS & EVENTS
Photo & Fine Arts Show 2012
April 20-22, 2012 ~ The 43rd Annual Photo & Fine Arts Show was held in the Convention Center over the weekend. Saturday and Sunday also saw some beautifully sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Competitions were held in each division and style, ie Acrylic/Oils, Pencil/Ink, Watercolors, Pastels, 3D Art, Students/Children Art, Photography.
See more information and pictures at www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/artshow2012.html
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Ocean Shores News: More Sightings of the Snowy White Owls at Damon Pt/Protection Island, Ocean Shores, WA ~ April 6, 2012
Posted Under: General Area in Ocean Shores, Quality of Life in Ocean Shores, Parks & Recreation in Ocean Shores | April 19, 2012 6:05 PM | 50 views | No commentsOCEAN SHORES NEWS
Snowy White Owl Sightings
April 6, 2012 ~ I was able to capture some more pictures of the Snowy White Owls, which have migrated down here from the Arctic Circle and taken refuge in the dune areas of Damon Point/Protection Island.
See more pictures at http://www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/snowywhiteowl.html
Click on this Video Tour link to see my video on YouTube.
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Ocean Shores News: Kite Surfing in Ocean Shores ~ Kite Surfers at Damon Pt State Beach ~ Feb 2012
Posted Under: General Area in Ocean Shores, Quality of Life in Ocean Shores, Parks & Recreation in Ocean Shores | February 10, 2012 1:40 PM | 231 views | No commentsOCEAN SHORES NEWS
Kite Surfing in Ocean Shores
February 4, 2012 ~ A gorgeous Saturday brought many people to the beach, including the Kite Surfers. The windy weather allowed the Kite Surfers to perform stunt and speed riding. They like the calmer waters on the Bay side of Damon Pt State Beach/Protection Island (my photos were taken just outside the Marina).
You can see my video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XveYFTHfnugYou can see more pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/kitesurfers.html
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Ocean Shores News: Rare Sightings of the Snowy White Owl in Ocean Shores, WA
Posted Under: General Area in Ocean Shores, Parks & Recreation in Ocean Shores, In My Neighborhood in Ocean Shores | January 20, 2012 1:13 PM | 615 views | No commentsOCEAN SHORES NEWSRare Sightings of the Snowy White Owl
Ocean Shores, WA
January 8, 2012 ~ While walking around Damon Pt State Park/Protection Island, I was able to view in person the rare sightings of the Snowy White Owls, which were nesting in the Dunes of Damon Pt State Park/Beach. They were attracted to this dune area because of the lack of population and it is similar to their native habitat. These large and beautiful birds nest in the open spaces of the Arctic Tundra ~ Canada, Alaska and Eurasia. They winter south through Canada and Eurasia, so seeing them this far south is a rare occurrence. The adult male is almost all white, but females and young owls have some dark scalloping. In my pictures below, notice the heavily-feathered taloned feet. Many others were down at the beach enjoying the gorgeous sunny day and taking pictures of these rare sightings of this majestic owl.
Click on Video Tour to see my video of the Snowy White Owls.
See more pictures at www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/snowywhiteowl.html -
Ocean Shores News: Snow at the Beach (Yes, Another Snow Storm) ~ January 18, 2012
Posted Under: General Area in Ocean Shores, In My Neighborhood in Ocean Shores | January 18, 2012 8:24 PM | 547 views | No commentsOCEAN SHORES NEWS
Another Snow Storm Hits the Coast
January 18, 2012 ~ Another snow storm hit the Northwest today and brings more snow to the Beach. The cold rain, accompanied by the wind, was coming down throughout the day. Ocean Shores received about 6in of snow. It was so beautiful and fun to be out in the 4x4 taking pictures.
See more pictures at http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/winterstormjan2012.html
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Ocean Shores News: Snow at the Beach ~ January 15-16, 2012
Posted Under: In My Neighborhood in Ocean Shores | January 17, 2012 2:47 PM | 526 views | No commentsOCEAN SHORES NEWSSnow At The Beach
January 15-16, 2012 ~ Ocean Shores residents, including myself, woke-up to a beautiful sight of snow covering the ground on Sunday and Monday, Jan 15th and 16th. We have had a fairly nice and mild winter this year, but the beach actually saw snow these 2 days. It did melt by mid-day though. We probably received up to an inch of snow. It is reported that we are supposed to get 6-14in. of snow tonight :-)
To view more pictures, please click on the following link: http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/winterstormjan2012.html
