Welcome to Spring!

Easter and Spring Break are over and most of the crowds went home. But what a time it was. This town was busy with visitors, property owners, and buyers. Right now, it is beautifully sunny with the coming weekend looking sunny as well. Come join us at the Beach!

VISITOR COUNTS UP BY 9%
With lower gas prices and prime activities such as the Razor Clam Festival and the Beachcombers Fun Fair (held in March), Ocean Shores saw an increase of 9% for the first quarter in 2009 compared to the 1st quarter in 2008. With over 800,000 visitors in January, February and March, businesses and real estate saw increases as well.

MARKET UPDATE
I can personally tell you that activity has increased since the beginning of the year and even more so in March. The rest of the year definitely looks promising and busy. The deals are out there! Click on the following links to see MLS flyers for some Hot Buys.

Hot Buys for Lots under $30K
Hot Buys for Other Lots
Hot Buys for Waterfront Lots
Hot Buys for Homes
Hot Buys for Waterfront Homes

E-mail or call me if you have any questions about these listings. There are some repos on the market, but not as many as Aberdeen, Hoquiam or other Grays Harbor County areas. And of course, these repos need a lot of work. As of April 13th, there are 36 homes, 11 lots, and 8 condos pending (in escrow waiting to close); and 216 homes, 548 lots, and 70 condos listed for sale.

Here are some Ocean Shores Stats:

2009 1st Quarter: 31 Homes closed; average sales price = $179,355; median sales price = $150K; average days on market = 159
Sold Homes (click on this link to view the MLS flyers)
2008 1st Quarter: 37 Homes closed; average sales price = $211,534; median sales price = $195K; average days on market = 143
2009 1st Quarter: 20 Lots closed; average sales price = $38,568; median sales price = $31K; average days on market = 119
Sold Lots (click on this link to view the MLS flyers)
2008 1st Quarter: 50 Lots closed; average sales price = $42,573; median sales price = $35K; average days on market = 193
2009 1st Quarter: 4 Condos closed; average sales price = $96,225; median sales price = $70K; average days on market = 21
Sold Condos (click on this link to view the MLS flyers)
2008 1st Quarter: 2 Condos closed; average sales price = $314,500; median sales price = $314,500; average days on market = 405

NEW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
For 2008, there were a total of 141 new house permits approved (118 Stick-Built and 23 Manufactured Homes). For the 1st quarter (Jan-Mar) of 2008, there were a total of 38 new house permits approved (30 Stick-Built and 8 Manufactured Homes). For the 1st quarter of 2009, there were a total of 22 new house permits approved (19 Stick-Built and 3 Manufactured Homes). Although our numbers are down, building is still happening all over town. My business partner, Bob McDougal, and I represent one of the premier spec builders in town and you can see their 3 homes that they are building now (click on the following link). The lake front home is almost finished; the small cabin can be completed in about 2 months; and the canal front home is about 1.5 months away from being completed.

Featured New Construction: Brunk Homes

UPCOMING EVENTS
Country Music Jam, May 2-3: a weekend of music and fun with a dance on Saturday night.

Clam Digs:
Saturday, April 25th (7:27 a.m., -1.3 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Sunday, April 26th (8:10 a.m., -1.6 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Monday, April 27th (8:55 a.m., -1.7 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

FINANCING NEWS
I know that there is a lot of misconception out there that the banks are not lending...DO NOT believe it. Our local banks, especially Bank of the Pacific, are lending. Bank of the Pacific has access to 7 different lenders to find the right loan for you. Interest rates are still around 5%. There is other great news: Ocean Shores and the surrounding beach communities are areas which are eligible for the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan Program. You can finance up to 102% of the appraised value with no monthly PMI (2% PMI paid up front). Upon approved credit and conditions do apply, ie the property must be your primary residence. You can call Carol Warfield, the Vice President Residential Loan Officer of Bank of the Pacific, at 360-580-0187 or e-mail her at cwarfield@thebankofpacific.com. I have worked with her many times and she is very knowledgeable, professional and honest.

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 Real Estate Diamond Team at Washington Coast's #1 Beach,

April Swenson & Bob McDougal
Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores, WA
888-469-3100 office 360-289-3111 fax 360-589-2777 cell
aswenson25@juno.com
www.oceanshoresinfo.com

Our web site has changed to http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/

Enjoy lots of great information, like listings, pictures, relocation info, etc.