Ocean Shores News: Merry Christmas from the Beach 2013

Christmas 2013 Ocean Shores, WA

 

Merry Christmas from Beautiful Ocean Shores!
December 25, 2013 ~ Christmas Day was beautiful. It started with partly cloudy skies, but later in the afternoon, the Sun was shining full and the Sunset was gorgeous with the bright colors in the sky. The Ocean waves were crashing causing the Ocean spray to kick-up.

Jesus Christ is Born!

 

http://www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/christmas2013.html

Ocean Shores News: Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers Decorates for Christmas 2013

OCEAN SHORES NEWS

 

Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers
Decorates for Christmas 2013
 

 

 

Come by and see our office and the pretty decorations we put up for Christmas.  Also, come watch our new TV slideshow in our office window.

 

See more pictures and the video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/news/christmasatcbosb2013.html





Ocean Shores News: Winter Weather Bring Ice and Snow to the Beaches of Ocean Shores, WA ~ December 2013

OCEAN SHORES NEWS

WINTER WEATHER BRING ICE and SNOW

 

 

December 6-9, 2013 ~ Ocean Shores, WA saw very unusual below freezing temperatures, reaching to lows of the high 10's and low 20's. It got so cold that the Grand Canal and parts of Duck Lake froze. In my ten years here, I have never seen that happen. We received some snow on the 6th and 8th.

If this happens again, here are some tips: keep your vacant home heated to at least 55 degrees, cover your outdoor faucets, and have your faucets run a small drip to help keep the pipes from freezing.

The picture above is taken from the Overlake St Bridge over Duck Lake and yes, that is snow on top of the frozen Duck Lake waters. Take a look above at the Seagull walking on the Grand Canal.

 

See more pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/winterdec2013.html

 



Ocean Shores, WA...the most affordable Beach Town on the West Coast!

OCEAN SHORES....the Beautiful & Affordable Beach Destination on the Washington Coast!

Have you been looking for an affordable Beach Town?  The City of Ocean Shores is the answer with beautiful and accessible beaches and affordable properties.  We are located approximately 2.5 hours from Seattle and approximately 3 hours from Portland.  We are peninsula of about 6 miles long and about 2 miles wide.  Our approximately 6 miles of Beaches are fully accessible and free...you can DRIVE (in designated areas) and WALK on our flat, sandy shores.  We also have Protection Island/Damon Point and the Jetty to the south and Grays Harbor Bay to the east.  In addition to the Beaches, we offer 23 miles of interconnecting fresh water Lakes and Canals, where you can boat, kayak, and fish.  There are 2 City-owned Parks with free boat launches onto Duck Lake.  We have tennis courts, ball fields, playgrounds, an 18-hole Golf Course with Driving Range, and a small municipal airport.  As the top tourist destination on the Washington Coast, you can enjoy the many restaurants, arcades, go-carts, bowling, movie theater, miniature golf, and 13+ hotels, including the Shilo Inn, the Grey Gull, the Quality Inn, and many more.

Now that I have enticed you with the amazing things to do and see, what about living here?  We cater primarily to retirees and vacation homeowners.  We have homes, condos, land and some commercial properties.  You can enjoy being on Duck Lake, the Canals, the Bay, Jetty and Ocean; or we have many interior properties.  Homes range anywhere from $75,000 to $300,000 with a median sales price of $140,000.  Land ranges from $5,000 to $100,000 with a median sales price of $12,500.  We are developed with access to hook-up to water, sewer and power in the streets.  You can camp on your vacant lot for up to 90 days per year, and there is no requirement to build.  Come and see!

For more information and videos, see my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com and my YouTube site at www.youtube.com/aprilswenson

April Swenson
Designated Broker, Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers
aswenson25@juno.com
360-589-2777    cell/text

Ocean Shores and North Beach Newsletter for Real Estate, Events, News, etc. ~ October 2013

October 2013
Ocean Shores/North Beach
Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
Managing Broker and CRS for Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers
aswenson25@juno.com    360-589-2777 cell/text     www.OceanShoresInfo.com

NOTABLE NEWS and EVENTS

PADDLE THE SHORES and LABOR DAY PICNIC 2013

Held at the North Bay Park on Duck Lake.  See more info, pictures and my video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/paddletheshores2013.html


NEW PICTURES and YOUTUBE VIDEOS UPLOADED 

Click on the following links to see my new pictures on my web site (www.OceanShoresInfo.com) and my new videos uploaded onto my YouTube site (http://www.youtube.com/AprilSwenson):

• Hotel Row:   www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/hotelrow.html   /  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_Ui8aokFR4&list=FLhRYWR0DBndaEDmu0zNpztQ

OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS

• Ocean Shores Brokers is now Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers
• The restaurant at the Ocean Crest Resort in Moclips is under construction
• You can view the Ocean Shores City Profile at http://www.osgov.com/documents/profile2013.pdf

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

October 25th-27th ~ Celtic Music Festival: Celtic music played at Galway Bay Restaurant and Convention Center.

Nov 2th - Dec 1st ~ Winter Fanta-Sea: Christmas shopping among the arts and craft vendors 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:

Homes Under $100K

Homes $100K-$150K

Homes $150K+

View Homes

Waterfront Homes

Condos

Timeshares

Lots $10K or Less

Lots $10K-$15K

Lots $15K-20K

Lots $20K+

View Lots

Waterfront Lots 

MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
(3rd-Quarter 2013: July 1st - September 30th)

Currently, we are selling more homes than land.  We are still very busy.  Ocean Shores is selling, but prices are still low and affordable.


OCEAN SHORES MARKET:

Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (3rd-Quarter of 2013):
Sold Homes
Sold Lots
Sold Condos
Sold Commercial

3rd-Quarter 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Current Listings	246	477	34	4	21	782
Pendings	37	25	4	0	0	66
Solds	69	52	7	0	1	129
Sold Volume	$9.853M	$1.183M	$935K	$0	$50K	$12.021M
Sold Median Price	$135K	$13,250	$119K	$0	$50K
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	227	383	325	N/A	30

NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:

Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (3rd-Quarter of 2013):
Sold Homes
Sold Land

3rd-Quarter 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Current Listings	58	136	2	0	8	204
Pendings	11	4	0	0	0	15
Solds	9	9	0	0	0	18
Sold Volume	$1.998M	$558K	$0	$0	$0	$2.556M
Sold Median Price	$235K	$24K	$0	$0	$0
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	129	181	N/A	N/A	N/A

NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.

FINANCING NEWS

FHA is running slower due to the Government Shut Down, but they are still keeping a limited staff to help approve underwriting of new home loans.  Fannie and Freddie are unaffected because they run off monies received from charges they pass onto the lenders.  These are the reported stories from online news agencies.

Interest rates are around 4.25% for a 30-year fixed rate with 0 points (depending on credit and down payment).  Financing is available through FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Loans to buy primary and secondary/vacation homes in Ocean Shores and the North Beach.  If you are buying a 2nd home, your loan must be a Conventional Loan and you must have at least 10% down with very good credit.  But with any loan of less than 20% down, PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required.


For more help on getting pre-approved/qualified, contact a lender that I had a very good encounter with during one of my more recent sales...he was knowledgeable and communicative.  You can call Saul Schiffner, the Residential Loan Officer, at 425-422-6333 or e-mail him at saul.schiffner@wvmb.com.


If you ever have any questions about Area Information and Real Estate in Ocean Shores and the North Beach, 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!

Ocean Shores News: New Pictures and Video of Hotel Row in Downtown Ocean Shores, WA (Sept 2013)

OCEAN SHORES NEWS

 

Hotel Row along Ocean Shores Blvd NW

Ocean Shores, WA

 

 

Hotel Row lies along Ocean Shores Blvd NW in Downtown Ocean Shores, WA.  The west side hotels are on the Ocean and have Ocean views.  There are also shops and restaurants.

 

See new pictures and a video at www.oceanshoresinfo.com/pics/hotelrow.html

 





Ocean Shores Events: Paddle the Shores and Labor Day Picnic ~ August 2013

OCEAN SHORES EVENTS

 

Paddle-the-Shores and Labor Day Picnic 2013

 

 

August 31, 2013 ~ Labor Day Weekend was the time for the annual Paddle the Shores on Duck Lake and the Labor Day Picnic. Canoes and kayaks were launched from the boat ramp/launch at the North Bay Park. The park also was host to the Labor Day Picnic and games, ie the large mouse ball race. It was beautiful weather to enjoy the outdoors.

 

See more pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/paddletheshores2013.html

 

Ocean Shores and North Beach Newsletter for Real Estate, Events, News, etc. ~ July 2013

July 2013
Ocean Shores/North Beach
Newsletter
Presented by April Swenson,
CRS & Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers
aswenson25@juno.com    360-589-2777 cell/text     www.OceanShoresInfo.com

NOTABLE NEWS and EVENTS

 

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2013 

Fireworks seen and let off all along our beaches....a Must See.  See more info, pictures and my video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/july4th2013.html


FIVE STAR DEALERSHIPS SAND and SAWDUST FESTIVAL 2013

Sandcastle competitions on the beach (off the Chance a La Mer beach access street)...you will like the sand sculptures created..."Candy Land" won the Master's Division.  Wood carving competitions and displays held at the Convention Center.  Held on June 21st-23rd.  See more info, pictures and my video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/sand&sawdustfestival2013.html


FLAG DAY PARADE 2013

Ocean Shores honored Old Glory with its traditional Parade in downtown on June 8th.  See more info, pictures and my video at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/flagdayparade2013.html


ART SHOW 2013

The 44rd Annual Art Show was held in the Convention Center on April 19th-21st.  See more info and pictures at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/artshow2013.html


NEW PICTURES and YOUTUBE VIDEOS UPLOADED

Click on the following links to see my new pictures on my web site (www.OceanShoresInfo.com) and my new videos uploaded onto my YouTube site (http://www.youtube.com/AprilSwenson):

• Clam Digging:   www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/clamdigging.html   /   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh7iE8oh_aM&list=FLhRYWR0DBndaEDmu0zNpztQ&index=1

OTHER NOTABLE LOCAL NEWS

• Ocean Shores Brokers is now Coldwell Banker Ocean Shores Brokers
• There is a new Farmer's Market at the Library open on the weekends during the Summer

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 13th-14th ~ Ocean Shores Tri and Foot Fest: compete in running events.

July 26th-28th ~ Sun and Surf Run: motorcycles come to Ocean Shores.

August 17th-18th ~ Body and Soul Festival: explore options in creating healthier lifestyles.

August 17th-18th ~ Fun Fly in Ocean Shores: kite flying on the beaches of Ocean Shores.

August 31st ~ Old Fashioned Labor Day Picnic & Paddle-a-thon: picnic and water activities at North Bay Park on Duck Lake.

BUYS IN OCEAN SHORES

Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for some good deals on properties in Ocean Shores:

Homes Under $100K

Homes $100K-$150K

Homes $150K+

View Homes

Waterfront Homes

Condos

Lots $10K or Less

Lots $10K-$15K

Lots $15K-20K

Lots $20K+

View Lots

Waterfront Lots  

MARKET ACTIVITY/UPDATE
(1st-Half and 2nd-Quarter 2013: January 1st-June 30th)

Activity (both inquiries and sales) have definitely increased since the beginning of the year, as I have personally experienced.  Currently, we are selling more homes than land.

OCEAN SHORES MARKET:

Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (2nd Quarter of 2013):
Sold Homes
Sold Lots
Sold Condos
Sold Multi-Family
Sold Commercial 

1st-Half 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Current Listings	267	437	40	4	19	767
Pendings	50	18	6	0	1	75
Solds	77	79	9	1	3	169
Sold Volume	$11.5M	$1.613M	$1.015M	$260K	$575K	$14.963M
Sold Median Price	$138K	$12,500	$135K	$260K	$287,500
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	280	271	313	60	291

2nd-Quarter 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Solds	39	51	4	1	3	98
Sold Volume	$5.89M	$969K	$493K	$260K	$575K	$8.187M
Sold Median Price	$145K	$12K	$113,975	$260K	$287,500
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	245	245	259	60	291

  
NORTH BEACH (Ocean City to Moclips) MARKET:

Click on the following links to view the MLS flyers for sold properties (2nd Quarter of 2013):
Sold Homes
Sold Land

1st-Half 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Current Listings	64	121	3	1	7	196
Pendings	5	4	0	0	0	9
Solds	10	15	0	0	1	26
Sold Volume	$1.33M	$1.1M	$0	$0K	$125K	$2.555M
Sold Median Price	$24,500	$18K	$0	$0K	$125K
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	81	376	N/A	N/A	882

2nd-Quarter 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Solds	6	8	0	0	0	14
Sold Volume	$799K	$969K	$0	$0K	$0K	$1.768M
Sold Median Price	$65,725	$31K	$0	$0K	$0K
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	67	223	N/A	N/A	N/A

 

SOUTH BEACH (Westport/Grayland/Ocosta) MARKET:

1st-Half 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Current Listings	80	84	21	4	13	202
Pendings	12	4	3	0	1	20
Solds	23	15	6	1	0	45
Sold Volume	$2.79M	$744K	$1.518M	$215K	$0	$5.267M
Sold Median Price	$90K	$36,500	$264,500	$215K	$0
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	266	477	172	139	N/A

LONG BEACH PENINSULA (Ilwaco to Surfside Estates) MARKET:

1st-Half 2013	Homes	Land	Condos	Multi- Family	Commercial	Total
Current Listings	314	308	46	8	31	707
Pendings	44	8	5	0	0	57
Solds	108	43	5	1	1	158
Sold Volume	$14.14M	$1.415M	$757,500	$210K	$100K	$16.62M
Sold Median Price	$116K	$24K	$176K	$210K	$100K
Avg. Days on Market (solds)	237	379	1,343	135	18

NOTE: All of the above data was pulled from the NWMLS and is not guaranteed.

FINANCING NEWS

FHA CHANGES

FHA announced some changes to new FHA Loans as of April 2013:

• All loans with a loan-to-value of 90% or more (in other words, loans with 10% down or less) are required to carry PMI (Mortgage Insurance) for the life of the loan
• Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is increased by .1%

OTHER NEWS

Interest rates have increased to around 4.5-4.75% for a 30-yr fixed rate with 0 points (depending on credit and down payment), but are still very low.  Financing is available through FHA, VA, USDA and Conventional Loans to buy primary and secondary/vacation homes in Ocean Shores and the North Beach.


For more help on getting pre-approved/qualified, contact our local lender, Timberland Bank.  You can call Brian Bednarik, the Residential Loan Officer, at 360-591-5772 (cell) or e-mail him at bdbednar@timberlandbank.com.

If you ever have any questions about Area Information and Real Estate in Ocean Shores and the North Beach, 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!

 

Ocean Shores Events: Independence Day ~ July 4, 2013

OCEAN SHORES EVENTS/NEWS

 

Celebrate 4th of July on the Beaches of Ocean Shores, WA

 

 

July 4, 2013 ~ Independence Day fell on a Thursday this year and it was packed. We saw beautifully sunny skies, but some wind. Independence Day is one of the greatest and most amazing sites visitors and locals can see along the beaches of Ocean Shores and the North Beach. The beaches are lined with cars and people packing it in as nighttime approaches. The fireworks can be heard as the days lead up to the 4th, but America's birthday brings the most unbelievable sites you will see as the sky is lit up with tons of colorful fireworks. There are personal firework displays one right after the other. The Casino puts on a firework display too. I saw the fireworks from a different vantage point this year...looking at the fireworks shooting off on the Beach behind the hotels (taken from the Downtown Golf Course area on Minard Ave). I was also able to get some great shots overseeing the action on the beach from my Chevy Tahoe. To all of those who have not spent July 4th in Ocean Shores -- you must come out and see it for yourself.

See more pictures and info at http://www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/july4th2013.html

Click on Video Tour to see my video of the Fireworks on the Beach.

Ocean Shores Events: Five Star Dealerships Sand and Sawdust Festival ~ June 2013

OCEAN SHORES EVENTS
Five Star Dealerships Sand and Sawdust Festival 2013

 

June 21-23, 2013 ~ The annual Five Star Dealerships Sand and Sawdust Festival took place in Ocean Shores, WA. Sandcastle and wood carving competitions. A must see event! It is really neat to see all of the sandcastle and wood carving creations. Sponsored by the Five Star Dealerships from Aberdeen, WA.  "Candy Land" (pictured above) won the Master's Division.

See more pictures and info on my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/sand&sawdustfestival2013.html

See my video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvH8ETJCQhA&list=FLhRYWR0DBndaEDmu0zNpztQ

Ocean Shores Events: Flag Day Parade ~ June 2013 ~ Downtown Ocean Shores, WA

OCEAN SHORES EVENTS

Flag Day Parade 2013

 

June 8, 2012 ~ Ocean Shores honors Old Glory by holding its annual Flag Day Parade, one of the few parades left in the United States....patriotism still loves here! Many entrants, including patriotic floats, politicians, local businesses, non-profit organizations, youth drill teams and bands, and animals, ie horses and even a camel.  Held in downtown Ocean Shores, WA.

See more pictures on my web site at www.OceanShoresInfo.com/pics/flagdayparade2013.html