Saturday, November 5, 2011
Ocean Shores News: Street LID Update ~ November 5, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Ocean Shores Newsletter for Real Estate, Events, News, etc. ~ October 2011
October 2011
Ocean Shores/North Beach
Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
CRS, Realtor & Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
aswenson25@juno.com 360-589-2777 cell/text www.OceanShoresInfo.com
NOTABLE NEWS/EVENTS
WHALE OF A QUILT SHOW 2011
This yearly event was held on the weekend of September 30th-October 2nd. Lots of quilts were on display, as well as tips and demonstrations, vendors, and voting on your favorite quilt.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS UPLOADED
I have been working on my YouTube site featuring videos of all of my listings, as well as videos selling Ocean Shores. You can see my channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/aprilswenson. Click on the following links to view videos of Ocean Shores:
Duck Lake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_qldgCRyOw
Bayou Canal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au4fmSPSw5Q
Grand Canal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXUs0qaku0o
The Jetty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JKpYJe9bWE
WEATHER STATION INSTALLED
The new Weather Station was dedicated/opened on September 29th in Copalis Beach, being dedicated as the Langley Hill Doppler Radar Station. Senator Maria Cantwell and Congressman Norm Dicks worked together to secure $9 million in federal funding. Cantwell said the station’s dual polarization is “the first in the nation to have this kind of technology . . . America wants more information so they can prepare, and today we’re ushering that in, in Grays Harbor County.” Dicks said, “This will protect people, and save lives.”
CRAB BOAT BEACHED
On September 21st at approximately 5:25 PM, a 50 foot commercial fishing vessel ran aground on the beach between the Ocean Lake Way and Taurus Beach Approach in Ocean Shores. Ocean Shores Surf Rescue Team was dispatched after being notified by the Coast Guard of the vessel in distress. Three crew members were rescued off the vessel by the Ocean Shores Surf Rescue Team and none of the crew from the vessel suffered any injures. The three crew members were two deck hands ages 31, 46, and the captain of the vessel a 43 year old Ilwaco male. According to the Captain of the vessel, they were attempting to locate the bar in order to return to Westport when the fog became extremely thick. The vessel was attempting to follow another boat but lost sight of it. The Captain of the boat stated that the reduction gear of the vessel then failed causing the boat to lose power and become adrift. The Captain then stated that the boat was adrift for approximately ¾ of a mile before it was caught in the waves just off shore. The Captain of the vessel called in a may day to the Coast Guard but eventually ran aground off the shore of Ocean Shores. (prepared by the Ocean Shores Police Department).
It was removed by the 24th.
OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS
- Burn ban in Ocean Shores, which occurs every Summer, was lifted on October 1st.
- Old pilings from a pier long gone at Damon Point were removed on September 28th.
- Attention Ocean Shores Property Owners: if you did not payoff your Street LID, look for the 1st bill in the mail this month. This 1st payment will be due in November.
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 21st-23rd ~ Celtic Music Festival: largest Irish music festival on the West Coast.
November 4th-6th ~ Jazz at the Beach: live jazz music held at different venues in town.
November 25th-27th ~ Winter Fanta-Sea Craft Show: holiday hand-crafted items available at the Convention Center.
BUYS IN OCEAN SHORES
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for some good deals on properties in Ocean Shores:
MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
(July 1st thru September 30th)
Ocean Shores is still the #1 beach town in the number of sold properties, as well as the top tourist destination along the Washington Coast. The North Beach area has seen a definite increase over last year, mainly due to Seabrook in Pacific Beach.
OCEAN SHORES MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (3rd-quarter of 2011):
Sold Homes
Sold Lots
Sold Condos
3rd-Qrtr 2011 |
Homes |
Land |
Condos |
Multi-Family |
Commercial |
Total |
Current Listings |
255 |
512 |
76 |
4 |
19 |
866 |
Pendings |
43 |
19 |
7 |
0 |
1 |
70 |
Solds |
45 |
41 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
91 |
Sold Volume |
$6.98M |
$1.18M |
$722K |
$0 |
$0 |
$8.88M |
Sold Median Price |
$145,900 |
$18,500 |
$189,900 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) |
240 |
307 |
257 |
0 |
0 |
|
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (3rd-Quarter of 2011):
Sold Homes
Sold Land
3rd-Qrtr 2011 |
Homes |
Land |
Condos |
Multi-Family |
Commercial |
Total |
Current Listings |
96 |
110 |
2 |
0 |
13 |
221 |
Pendings |
12 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
13 |
Solds |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
Sold Volume |
$1.34M |
$526K |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
$1.866M |
Sold Median Price |
$284,500 |
$25K |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) |
199 |
219 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.
FINANCING NEWS
POSITIVE NEWS
Interest rates are still very low at around 4-4.5% 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@thebankofpacific.com.
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
Your Beach Destination Awaits You at the #1 Washington Coast Town!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Ocean Shores News: Watch My Video Tours on Duck Lake, the Canals and Jetty in Ocean Shores, WA on YouTube
OCEAN SHORES NEWS
Video Tours of Great Places in Ocean Shores, WA
On My YouTube Channel
September 2011 ~ Take a look at these videos I shot at great places in Ocean Shores, WA. I hope you enjoy them.
Duck Lake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_qldgCRyOw
Bayou Canal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au4fmSPSw5Q
Grand Canal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXUs0qaku0o
The Jetty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JKpYJe9bWE
Enjoy these great places in beautiful Ocean Shores, WA. Boat, canoe, kayak, water ski, fish on Duck Lake and on the Canals. Walk along the beach and climb the Jetty rocks.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Ocean Shores News: My Listings Are Now Featured On YouTube
OCEAN SHORES NEWS
April Swenson's YouTube Channel is Now Active
July 2011 ~ I have been working hard to get all of my listings featured on YouTube. I still have more work to do, but please take an opportunity to visit my channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/aprilswenson?blend=21&ob=5
I recommend watching the 4th of July Fireworks videos: http://youtu.be/WQrwlYh4VRY and http://youtu.be/zOAoNFIPFDY
If you have any comments, please send them my way. Please keep checking back for more videos.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Ocean Shores Newsletter for Real Estate, Events, News, etc. ~ July 2011
July 2011
Ocean Shores/North Beach
Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
CRS, Realtor & Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
aswenson25@juno.com 360-589-2777 cell/text www.OceanShoresInfo.com
NOTABLE NEWS/EVENTS
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2011
Ocean Shores lit up for Independence Day weekend with tons of fireworks....truly a sight to see. For more pictures and information, please visit www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/july4th2011.html
FIVE STAR DEALERSHIPS SAND & SAWDUST FESTIVAL 2011
The wonderful event of sandcastle building and wood carving was held on June 24th-26th. This is personally one my favorite events. See more info and pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/sand&sawdustfestival2011.html
FLAG DAY PARADE 2011
Ocean Shores honored Old Glory through its annual Parade in downtown on June 11th. See more info and pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/flagdayparade2011.html
BEACHCOMBER FAIR 2011
The annual Beachcomber Fair was held at the Convention Center on March 5-6th. See more pictures and info at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/beachcomberfair2011.html
OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS
The historic Ocean Crest Restaurant is a total loss after an early morning fire on June 20th. However, the Ocean Crest Resort was not damaged at all, thanks to the speedy action of all-volunteer Grays Harbor Fire District 8, first on the scene, within minutes of the call, as well as volunteers from Districts 16 and 7 and the Ocean Shores Fire Department. The owner Sara Owen said: "We will rebuild." The Moclips restaurant, which opened in 1963, was fully insured. Good news is that there were no injuries. Cause of the fire is still unknown.
The City of Ocean Shores is still working on their budget and the City Council has to decide on cuts of $250,000.
GOOD NEWS: Ocean Shores was 1 of the 21 drinking water systems to receive a low-interest loan from the State of Washington via the 2009 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The City's deep-water aquifer has high concentrations of iron, manganese and nitrogen compounds that cause our water to smell and taste bad. With the $6M low-interest ARRA loan, the City broke ground on a shallow-aquifer water treatment plant that will deliver safe and reliable drinking water. It will sustain 35 to 40 jobs for at least a year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 29th-31st ~ Sun & Surf Run: over 2,000 motorcycles and riders come to town.
August 13th-14th ~ Fun Fly in Ocean Shores: watch the colorful kites on the beach.
September 9th-11th ~ Arts & Craft Festival: hand-crafted items displayed at the Convention Center.
BUYS IN OCEAN SHORES
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for some good deals on properties in Ocean Shores:
MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
(January 1st thru June 30th)
Ocean Shores is still the #1 beach town in the number of sold properties, as well as the top tourist destination along the Washington Coast. The North Beach area has seen a definite increase over last year, mainly due to Seabrook in Pacific Beach.
OCEAN SHORES MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (1st half of 2011):
Sold Homes
Sold Lots
Sold Condos
Sold Multi-Family
Sold Commercial
1st-Half of 2011 | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 296 | 472 | 73 | 5 | 16 | 862 |
Pendings | 29 | 17 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 56 |
Solds | 63 | 62 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 132 |
Sold Volume | $9.32M | $1.63M | $509K | $179,900 | $524K | $12.16M |
Sold Median Price | $139,900 | $16K | $130,500 | $179,900 | $262K |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 229 | 247 | 241 | 117 | 39 |
|
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (1st half of 2011):
Sold Homes
Sold Land
1st-half of 2011 | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 46 | 122 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 181 |
Pendings | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
Solds | 21 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 39 |
Sold Volume | $5.51M | $1.6M | $0 | $0 | $0 | $7.11M |
Sold Median Price | $250K | $54,875 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 287 | 425 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
SOUTH BEACH (Westport/Grayland/Ocosta) MARKET:
1st-half of 2011 | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 138 | 156 | 16 | 1 | 18 | 329 |
Pendings | 13 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
Solds | 27 | 13 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 50 |
Sold Volume | $2.73M | $1.65M | $1.19M | $120K | $0 | $5.69M |
Sold Median Price | $84,800 | $47,500 | $125K | $120K | $0 |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 310 | 234 | 246 | 691 | 0 |
|
LONG BEACH PENINSULA (Ilwaco to Surfside Estates) MARKET:
1st-half of 2011 | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 308 | 299 | 38 | 2 | 14 | 661 |
Pendings | 20 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 30 |
Solds | 66 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 92 |
Sold Volume | $10M | $654K | $886K | $140K | $414K | $12M |
Sold Median Price | $120,350 | $33,750 | $160K | $140K | $207,250 |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 265 | 423 | 159 | 30 | 780 |
|
NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.
FINANCING NEWS
POSITIVE NEWS
Interest rates are still very low at around 4.5-4.875% with 0 points. 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@thebankofpacific.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
Your Beach Destination Awaits You at the #1 Washington Coast Town!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Ocean Shores Events: July 4, 2011 ~ Fireworks at the Beach
OCEAN SHORES EVENTS
Independence Day 2011
Fireworks at the Beach
June 4, 2011 ~ Fireworks shot off all along our beaches....it was a site to see! Our beaches were packed and we enjoyed sunny skies. Everything from fountains to high-in-the-sky bombers were lit celebrating our country's birth and independence. You can see my video of some of the action at http://www.youtube.com/user/aprilswenson?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0/zOAoNFIPFDY. See more pictures and info http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/sand&sawdustfestival2011.html
Ocean Shores Events: Five Star Dealerships Sand and Sawdust Festival ~ June 2011
OCEAN SHORES EVENTS
Five Star Dealerships
Sand & Sawdust Festival 2011
June 24-26, 2011 ~ Ocean Shores was home to sand creators and wood carvers over a weekend with great weather. The annual, and one of my personal favorites, Five Star Dealerships Sand & Sawdust Festival was held with great results in the amount of visitors and the creations made. One of my personal favorite sand creations was "The Exodus," which showed Moses parting the Red Sea....it was very neat. See more pictures and info by clinking on the following link: http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/sand&sawdustfestival2011.html
Ocean Shores Events: Flag Day Parade ~ June 2011
Flag Day Parade 2011
June 11, 2011 ~ Ocean Shores honored Old Glory in its annual Flag Day Parade through the streets of downtown. There were lots of great floats, ie the TwinStar CU Lady Liberty float, the Habitat for Humanity float, and others. There were also classic cars, Corvettes, fire trucks, tractors and more. Click on the following link to view more pictures and info: http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/flagdayparade2011.html
Ocean Shores Events: Beachcomber Fair 2011
March 5-6, 2011 ~ The Beachcomber Fair event was held at the Convention Center. It was a lot of fun. Click on the following link to view more info and pictures: http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/beachcomberfair2011.html
Friday, January 21, 2011
Ocean Shores Newsletter for Real Estate, Events, News, etc. ~ "2010 Year-End Review"
"2010 Year-End Review"
Ocean Shores/North Beach
Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
CRS, Realtor & Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
aswenson25@juno.com 360-589-2777 cell/text www.OceanShoresInfo.com
NOTABLE NEWS/EVENTS for 2010
KITE FESTIVAL 2010
The kites flew high on the beach of Ocean Shores for June 5th-6th. Held just off the Chance a La Mer Ave (or Shilo) beach access street. See more info and pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/kitefestival2010.html
FIVE STAR DEALERSHIPS SAND & SAWDUST FESTIVAL 2010
The wonderful event of sandcastle building and wood carving was held on June 25th-27th. This is personally one my favorite events. See more info and pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/sand&sawdustfestival2010.html
INDEPENDENCE DAY 2010
Another personal favorite of mine. Tons of fireworks set off on the beaches of Ocean Shores. See more info and pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/july4th2010.html
STREET LID INFO
At the end of October 2010, the City of Ocean Shores passed the final assessments for the Street LID. The pre-payment 10% discount period ended on November 29, 2010. For those who did not pre-pay, the first payment is due this November 2011 and payments are due each subsequent November for the next 18 years at an annual interest rate of 7.25%. As of January 21, 2011, 4,910 parcels out of a total of 13,232 parcels paid off the Street LID (about 37%). See more information at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/news/streetLID.html
OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS
- I earned my Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation in December after working on it for the past 3 years. Only about 4% of Realtors have earned this designation.
- Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties is the #1 Listing & Selling Office in Grays Harbor County for 2010. Out of the 5 real estate offices in Ocean Shores, Coldwell Banker OBP holds approximately 49% of the market share (volume closed in 2010). (Per NWMLS data)
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 12th-13th ~ Antique & Collectibles Show: held at the Convention Center.
March 5th-6th ~ Beachcombers Fun Fair: exhibits, seminars, Dash for the Treasure or Trash event, etc.
March 19th ~ Razor Clam Festival: chefs compete for the "Best of the North Beach" title; vendors & food booths, etc.
April 8th-10th ~ Photo & Fine Arts Show: artists display their works at the Convention Center.
BUYS IN OCEAN SHORES
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for some good deals on properties in Ocean Shores:
2010 MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
(January 1st thru December 31st)
The number of properties sold in Ocean Shores is slightly UP from a year ago (356 properties in 2010 compared to 349 properties in 2009). The numbers are showing that Ocean Shores is still dominating the market for affordability and productivity (# of properties closed) compared to the other beach towns along the Washington Coast.
OCEAN SHORES MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (4th Quarter 2010 - Oct 1st thru Dec 31st):
Sold Homes
Sold Lots
Sold Condos
Sold Commercial
2010 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 226 | 475 | 149 | 5 | 17 | 872 |
Pendings | 18 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
Solds | 176 | 159 | 17 | 1 | 3 | 356 |
Sold Volume | $29.77M | $4.44M | $1.9M | $149,500 | $602,000 | $36.86M |
Sold Median Price | $150K | $17,500 | $62K | $149,500 | $225K |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 219 | 312 | 339 | 667 | 212 |
|
VS.
2009 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 174 | 455 | 86 | 3 | 12 | 730 |
Pendings | 21 | 11 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 38 |
Solds | 179 | 133 | 17 | 4 | 7 | 349 |
Sold Volume | $29.77M | $4.44M | $1.9M | $668K | $2.41M | $41.7M |
Sold Median Price | $158,500 | $23K | $100,500 | $163,500 | $169K |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 146 | 173 | 204 | 88 | 98 |
|
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:
Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (4th Quarter 2010 - Oct 1st thru Dec 31st):
Sold Homes
Sold Land
Sold Multi-Family
2010 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 60 | 162 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 235 |
Pendings | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Solds | 28 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 40 |
Sold Volume | $6.87M | $402K | $256K | $125K | $0 | $7.65M |
Sold Median Price | $177K | $45K | $128K | $125K | $0 |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 182 | 602 | 524 | 548 | 0 |
|
VS.
2009 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 42 | 83 | ??? | 1 | 4 | 130 |
Pendings | 4 | 1 | ??? | 0 | 0 | 5 |
Solds | 28 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 65 |
Sold Volume | $7.16M | $739K | $0 | $0 | $150K | $8.05M |
Sold Median Price | $176,500 | $23,500 | $0 | $0 | $150K |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 183 | 83 | 0 | 0 | 152 |
|
SOUTH BEACH (Westport/Grayland/Ocosta) MARKET:
2010 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 81 | 111 | 17 | 2 | 10 | 221 |
Pendings | 2 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Solds | 47 | 15 | 22 | 0 | 3 | 87 |
Sold Volume | $6.27M | $694K | $2.93M | $0 | $283,500 | $10.18M |
Sold Median Price | $118K | $49K | $126K | $0 | $120K |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 310 | 200 | 185 | 0 | 170 |
|
VS.
2009 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 82 | 90 | 34 | 2 | 13 | 221 |
Pendings | 3 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Solds | 40 | 18 | 17 | 1 | 4 | 80 |
Sold Volume | $6M | $1.15M | $3.29M | $170K | $1.05M | $11.66M |
Sold Median Price | $108,500 | $65K | $168K | $170K | $227,500 |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 141 | 182 | 84 | 5 | 345 |
|
LONG BEACH PENINSULA (Ilwaco to Surfside Estates) MARKET:
2010 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 254 | 266 | 24 | 2 | 24 | 570 |
Pendings | 11 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 18 |
Solds | 163 | 60 | 20 | 4 | 1 | 248 |
Sold Volume | $26.4M | $2.46M | $2.79M | $759,500 | $690K | $33.28M |
Sold Median Price | $145K | $34K | $120,950 | $192,500 | $690K |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 215 | 252 | 613 | 36 | 43 |
|
VS.
2009 Year-End | Homes | Land | Condos | Multi-Family | Commercial | Total |
Current Listings | 214 | 248 | 42 | 1 | 19 | 524 |
Pendings | 15 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 25 |
Solds | 168 | 64 | 14 | 2 | 5 | 253 |
Sold Volume | $30.2M | $3.37M | $2.1M | $660K | $820K | $37.15M |
Sold Median Price | $159,500 | $40K | $141,500 | $330K | $135K |
|
Avg. Days on Market (solds) | 174 | 204 | 142 | 296 | 459 |
|
NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.
FINANCING NEWS
POSITIVE NEWS-ZERO DOWN w/ USDA LOANS
Funding for USDA Rural Development Loan is once again available. This extraordinary government insured financing program makes home ownership possible for many low to moderate income families with no down payment required. Qualified borrowers in selected areas can take advantage of the USDA Rural Development Loan program to get a fixed rate mortgage with ZERO down.
The many benefits of this program include:
- Finance up to 100% of the value of the Home
- No down payment required
- Seller can pay up to 100% of the closing costs
- No private mortgage insurance required
- Can be used in conjunction with Mortgage Credit Certificates, where available
- Can be used with rate buy down programs
To qualify, borrowers must meet all applicable program and lender requirements and the home must meet eligible property requirements (must be your primary home). It is important to note that the guarantee fee has increased from 2.0% to 3.5% on purchase loans and from 0.5% to 2.25 % on refinances. Regardless of the fee increase, this program is still one of the best ones out there for qualified buyers. Ocean Shores/North Beach area is applicable for these loans.
FHA NEWS
Loan limits for both conforming Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans will not change for 2011. For Grays Harbor County, the limit is $271,050.
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@thebankofpacific.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
Your Beach Destination Awaits You at the #1 Washington Coast Town!
Ocean Shores News: Street LID Update ~ January 21, 2011
OCEAN SHORES NEWS
Ocean Shores Street LID Update
January 21, 2011 ~ As of this date, there are 4,910 Ocean Shores parcels that have paid off the Street LID in full. This is out of the 13,232 total assessed parcels in Ocean Shores. So, approximately 37% of Ocean Shores parcels have paid off the Street LID.
Also, the City did sell the bonds and property owners with a remaining balance will be charged 7.25% annual interest on the unpaid amount. The first payment is reportedly due in November 2011 and will be paid each subsequent November for the next 18 years. Any property ownercan payoff the full amount at anytime with no pre-payment penalty.
You can see the full story about the Ocean Shores Street LID on my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/news/streetLID.html
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Ocean Shores News: Happy New Year from the Beach ~ Welcome to 2011 ~ Clam Digging too
OCEAN SHORES NEWS
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011
CLAM DIGGING TOO
January 1, 2011 ~ The long-standing tradition of clam digging on New Years continued for the late afternoons and early evenings of December 31, 2010 and January 1, 2011. The weather was cold, but absolutely gorgeous with clear skies during the whole weekend. The clouds did role in early evening for the dig on January 1st, but cleared up later that night. I had a nice time being in the cold, crisp air, even if I did get a little wet from a wave while trying to get a clam.
I hope everyone has a prosperous New Year, both professionally and personally.
Special Announcement: April Swenson Earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation ~ December 2010
December 2010 ~ April Swenson has earned the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Realtors who receive this designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential real estate. Fewer than 38,000 (about 4%) of all REALTORS nationwide have earned this credential.
Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict Realtor code of ethics, have access to the latest technology and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home.