It’s Pelican Season!
Ocean Shoreshosts some of the best birding locations on the West Coast with more speciesper location than possibly anywhere else in Washington. Currently, large flocks of brownpelicans are putting on spectacular displays, diving into the bay and surfalong the coast. Brown Pelicans begin to arrive on the Washington coast in June and their numberspeak in September. By late October, they’re all pretty much back down south.
If you're not reallyinto watching birds, I'm with you. But these guys, they're cool to watch.Unique among the world's seven species of pelicans, the Brown Pelican is foundalong the ocean shores and not on inland lakes. It is the only dark pelican,and also the only one that plunges from the air into the water to catch itsfood. They spot their catch from the air, then dive straight down, fold backtheir wings and plunge into the water head first. A large flexible pouch ontheir bill traps water and fish. The Pelican surfaces and drains the water outof the sides of bill, and swallows the fish. Often, sea gulls can be seenstealing fish from their pouch. One can observe this behavior all day long atthe North Jetty.
Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
Real Estate Saleshit another speed bump last month. July and August are typically very busymonths for real estate out on the coast so real estate agents, brokers andsellers are all up on their toes watching with anticipation…
Here are some realestate numbers and stats which only apply to Ocean Shores.All statistics are supplied from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
Through the first 6months of 2009, the real estate market in Ocean Shoresis down nearly 20% from the same time period last year. Average sales pricesare down around 10%.
June Residential Sales
It really hasn’tgotten any better as only 12 Houses sold in June for an average price of$194,054 which is up though from last months average price of $172,106. That’sgood news I suppose. There are currently 36 homes that are pending around townwhich is also up from the 27 pending homes last month.
There are 249 homeson the market right now versus 246 homes in May. Average price is$246,171.
June Vacant Lot Sales
14 Lots soldin June 2009 for an average selling price of $43,814 (up from $27,208 lastmonth). The cheapest one was $16,000 while the most expensive one was an oceanfront at $120,000). Average time on the market was 336 days. There arecurrently 15 lots that are pending around town which is up from 12 last month.
Ocean FrontCondo Sales
Ocean Shoresvs Westport
Condo sales aredreadful. Two ocean front condos have sold in Ocean Shores sinceMay for an average price of $226,935. Other than that, condos are getting foottraffic from prospective buyers. Prices are ridiculously low and still, nooffers while there are more incentives, easier financing options and lowerprices than ever…
Here's a briefcomparison on how condo sales are in both OceanShores and Westport:
4 Ocean Front Condoshave sold in Ocean Shores so far this year for anaverage price of $173,968 while 3 more condos are pending at an average listprice of $391,667.
5 Ocean Front Condoshave sold in Westport thisyear so far for an average price of $249,580 while 2 more condos are pending atan average list price of $171,425.
Conclusion: Mostcondos are listed at foreclosure prices right now. If you have ever thought ofbuying one or if you even think that you might think of buying one, now is thetime...
Washington Coastal Town Comparisons
Here's a comparisonof how Ocean Shoresis doing compared to the four other areas off of Washington's Coast (Pacific Beach/Seabrook/Moclips,Westport/Ocosta and Long Beach/Ocean Park). Even though sales are down, Ocean Shoresremains the most active coast town in Washingtonwith the most sales, etc.
Stats are based on thefirst two quarters of 2009 (January 1st thru June 30th) and are from the NWMLS:
OCEAN SHORES
2009 ResidentialSales: 80
Average Sold HomePrice: $180,459
2008 ResidentialSales: 96
Average Sold HomePrice: $206,861
PACIFIC BEACH/SEABROOK/MOCLIPS
2009 ResidentialSales: 8
Average Sold HomePrice: $305,125
2008 ResidentialSales: 4
Average Sold HomePrice: $398,300
WESTPORT/OCOSTA
2009 ResidentialSales: 10
Average Sold HomePrice: $179,300
2008 ResidentialSales: 16
Average Sold HomePrice: $212,489
LONGBEACH/OCEAN PARK
2009 ResidentialSales: 61
Average Sold HomePrice: $160,155
2008 ResidentialSales: 66
Average Sold HomePrice: $201,655
Ocean Shores Real Estate Brokerage Rankings
Ever wonder how thehousing crisis has affected the local real estate brokerages around town? Statsare based on the first two quarters of 2009 (January 1st thru June 30th) andare from the NWMLS. Percentage is the amount of volume each brokerage sold. Forexample, at 29.96%, Coldwell Banker does nearly 30% of all the real estatebusiness in Ocean Shores while Prudentialat 3.49% does almost 4% of all the real estate business in town. Here’s thelist:
1. Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties – 29.96%
2. John L. Scott Ocean Shores– 20.62%
3. Windermere RE Ocean Shores – 14.21%
4. Premier Realty Ocean Shores – 8.03%
5. Prudential Grays Harbor Prop. –3.49%
10. Beach Realty – 2.25% (10th place wasn’t a typo. Four brokeragesoutside of Ocean Shoreshave actually sold more real estate in Ocean Shoresthis year than Beach Realty).
BrandNewBeachHomes.comis a new real estate blog about new homes and new construction out at thebeach. Take a look!
To Buy or ToBuild…
On many occasions while looking at new houses out on the beach, somebuyers take the approach that they would rather get a loan to buy a vacant lot,then hire a local builder to build them their beach getaway. Click “HERE”to read the rest of this story…
If you have any questions regarding OceanShores/North Coast Real Estate, call Jeff Daniel of Coldwell Banker Ocean BeachProperties at 360.581.9020 or visit my website at www.cityofoceanshores.com. Thanks!
Upcoming Events
Sun and SurfRun
July 24-26, 2009
Get your favoriteHarley T-shirt and join over 2,000 motorcycles at the ConventionCenter. Enjoy stunt riders, a motorcycle parade, a bonfire & fireworkson the beach, and vendors. http://www.sunandsurfevent.com
Body& Soul Festival
August 15-16, 2009
Festival provides anopportunity for folks to explore their options in creating healthier and moreconscious lifestyles. Takes place at the Ocean Shores Shilo Inn.
GospelMusicFEST
August 22, 2009
4thAnnual Gospel Music Festival presented by Higher Ground Ministries. Quartet,talent showcase, endless live performances, door prizes, food booth, talentedmusicians and more. Bring the entire family and sing along.
Arts andCrafts Festival
September 11-13, 2009
41st annual event.Visit one of Western WA's largest indoor &outdoor handmade arts and crafts bazaars. 1,000's of unique items areshowcased by gifted artists and talented craftspeople. Takes place at the ConventionCenter.
Paddlethe Shores
September 19-20, 2009
Paddling activitieson the lakes & canals. Races, poker paddle, seminars....
Beach News
This is where I've been getting minelately: