Mike Coverdale

As an owner in Westport you are probably already aware of the fact that even though our community is the closest ocean beach to Seattle, few are aware of the sandy shoreline. That is because for decades Westport was known as the salmon capitol of the world and those who came to westport headed for the marina and the charter fishing fleet. As salmon declined in the 80's, very little was done to focus peoples attention on the 18 miles of beach as a reason to visit. That is the long explanation to answer your question... the Championship Scottish Links Oceanfront Golf Course that is under construction and the Resort/Convention Center will put Westport on the map not just for people in Seattle & Portland but for people all over the west coast and to some extent the nation. Real Estate values being a function of supply and demand... this broad exposure will push the number of people interested in buying in our community up (demand) while supply will stay fairly limited. The end result should be a healthy increase in all property values... and since waterfront is rare... it's value should go up quicker and higher than other properties around the area. I hope that answers your question. - Sun May 4 2008, 11:17

If a buyer wants to present a low offer that is not supported by market data I usually tell the listing agent that the offer price is based less on the market value of the subject property and more on the buyers price range limitations... "love the house but just can't reach much higher than this offer". IN that way it may take the sting out of an insulting offer, putting the fault on the buyer not the sellers home... and if there is a possibility of getting it accepted due to a desperate seller... the idea that the buyer "fell in love with the home and the seller is doing them a favor by taking the offer" may give the seller a "warm fuzzy feeling" and help them bite the bullet. That said...if you really like the house and the market data indicates it is worth more... you may be doing more harm than good by presenting a super low offer. There is a point that the seller will accept.. not counter your offer. A low ball offer rarely gets a serious counter whereas an offer priced effectively below the asking price but in an acceptable range may get accepted or be treated in counter as a genuine offer. Also a factor that often plays into the negotiations... when one offer comes in, even if the property has sat idle for many months, another offer(or two) crops up. This is because buyers that have considered making an offer in the past but haven't become aware of activity and realize if they are going to make a move on the home now is the time. Your super low offer may take time to counter back and forth leaving the door wide open for a more substantial (and realistic) offer. - Mon Apr 28 2008, 07:38

Hi Ben, You've gotten some great responses. Since you are from the coast & new to the area I would like to invite you to explore the Washington Coast in Westport. (not to buy but as a vacation spot) Westport is the closest ocean beach to Bellevue and is a charming fishing community with the nicest sandy beach in the state, surfing, lighthouse and more. Check the photo gallery on my website. To get here you go south on 405 to I5 then south to Olympia. Follow signs to ocean beaches/Aberdeen then once in aberdeen cross the chehalis river bridge and take 105 to the beach! Welcome to Washington. - Mon Apr 28 2008, 06:46