Monday, June 30, 2008

Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 06.2008



Summertime at the Beach!
Obviously that means the rain is gone. Well, mainly gone. Our dry months are here. Last year, Ocean Shores received only 1.31 inches of rain in July and 1.46 inches in August. Let the dry times roll...


Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
This month, we're focusing on waterfront lots and land in Ocean Shores. Ocean Shores has an estimated 70 miles of waterfront. The peninsula's western shoreline extends southward approximately six miles with sandy public beaches. The southern shoreline runs easterly along the entrance to Grays Harbor with views of Westport, two miles across the entrance to the harbor. The eastern shoreline is primarily a residential area offering eastern and northern views of the Bowerman Basin, the Olympic Mountain range, Mt. Rainier, the cooling towers in Satsop and more.

Ocean Shores boasts 23 miles of freshwater canals and lakes. Duck Lake is stocked and considered one of the best year-round fishing lakes in Western Washington. The lake and canals are power-boat accessible with multiple boat launches and is friendly to waterskiers and swimmers. NO JET SKIS HOWEVER. All of the fresh water in Ocean Shores is excellent for many different boating experiences. A lot of people who live here own kayaks, boats or canoes. Below is a bit of a summary on the current market:


27 Lake Lots on the market in Ocean Shores. Average listing price: $128,420. 341 Days on Market.
18 Lake Lots sold in Ocean Shores during the past 12 months. Average sales price: $115,628. 241 Days on Market.

82 Canal lots on the market in Ocean Shores. Average listing price: $85,849. 351 Days on Market.
43 Canal Lots sold in Ocean Shores during the past 12 months. Average sales price: $65,384. 205 Days on Market.

82 Ocean & Bay front lots on the market in Ocean Shores. Average listing price: $189,765. 331 Days on Market.
15 Ocean & Bay front lots sold in Ocean Shores during the past 12 months. Average sales price: $141,300. 308 Days on Market.

Upcoming Events
4th Annual Ocean Shores Independence Day Picnic - July 3, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: North Bay Park. Admission is free!! Come celebrate the birth of our nation. Bring a blanket and your picnic basket or take advantage of the many food vendors that will be on hand. There will be something fun for all ages at this gala event.
Ride the Smokey Mountain Railroad,
Slide down the Tot-Tanic Slide,
Embark on the Undersea Adventure obstacle course,
Challenge your friends on the Bungee Run,
Try your skill at Bouncy Boxing,
Join the super heroes on the Forces of Fun,
Smaller kids try out the Octopus Obstacle Course,
Challenge the Mutiny Pirate Ship with climbing, sliding and bouncing areas.
Hear numerous local artists perform on the grandstand.
Have fun with roving magicians & clowns.
Or just have a great time observing and visiting.

4th of July & Fire O'er the Water - July 4th
Celebrate Independence Day & stay over for the best fireworks show on the coast at Ocean Shores & Ocean City.

Big Weekend Triathlon & Footfest - July 12-13
The Big Weekend events are scheduled for July 12-13, 2008 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The triathlon events include: Swimming in Duck Lake, Biking on the city streets of Ocean Shores peninsula & running on ocean beach and city streets.

Sun & Surf Run - July 25-27
Over 2,000 motorcycles at the Convention Center. Enjoy bonfire, fireworks, motorcycle parades, stunt riders and vendors. www.sunandsurfevent.com

News
New Fireworks Rules

Tourists & residents planning to set off fireworks at the beach next summer will have some stiffer restrictions on where they can do it. The City Council Monday night voted unanimously to amend the city's ordinance on fireworks. The amendment will go into effect in 2009. Under the new amendment, people are restricted from discharging fireworks within city limits, except for between the Marine View Drive Beach Access and the Damon Beach Approach at a minimum of 100 feet west of the dunes. Currently, please stay at least 50 feet away.

The amendment also changed the city's ordinance to reflect state laws on the hours of discharge. It is now legal to discharge fireworks between the hours of noon to 11 p.m. June 28, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3, between 9 a.m. and midnight July 4 and from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. July 5. The ordinance also made it legal to use fireworks from 6 p.m. New Year's Eve until 1 a.m. January 1. The previous city code did not include the New Year's holiday.

Offshore Drilling coming here?
In the Pacific Ocean off Washington state there are salmon, whales and a lot of water. But, apparently, there isn't much oil or natural gas. State officials say they haven't heard a peep from anyone wanting to drill off the coast. Oil and natural gas resources off the Northwest coast are minuscule when compared to Florida and California. A 2001 Interior Department study estimated there might be 2.35 trillion feet of natural gas off Washington and Oregon. The same study estimated there was 180 trillion feet of natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico and 15 trillion feet off California. Several companies oil expressed an interest in exploring deep-sea areas off the Northwest coast in the late 1980s and early 1990s. "There isn't much interest in Washington state," said Dave Norman, the deputy state geologist. "The Washington coast ranks real low in potential - almost near the bottom." Norman said exploratory holes and seismic testing off the coast have never found much, even though oil seeps have been discovered on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula.

Proposed Radar Station of the coast gets a $2 Million Boost
A congressional panel's support for a Doppler radar station on the Washington coast is a "huge start" toward a facility that could help predict the severity of approaching Pacific storms, a University of Washington meteorologist says. "This is a significant amount to get the thing started, but it's not everything," said the UW's Cliff Mass. Mass said he's encouraged by the action, supported by Sen. Maria Cantwell, even though the amount approved is less than half of the $4.5 million that the radar would cost to purchase and install. It could help forecasters, utility crews and emergency workers assess storms heading into Washington. Cantwell and Mass say the radar is necessary because the Olympic Mountains prevent a government radar station on Camano Island from seeing storms approaching over the ocean. The price of an additional radar is small compared to the estimated $1 billion in damage done in Washington by last December's storms.

Jeff Daniel
Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
749 Point Brown Ave NW/PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free) - 1.360.289.3111 (fax)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
AGENT INFO: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/for/jeffdaniel
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com/
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 05.2008

Whale Watching from the shores of Ocean Shores
After spending the winter months off Baja California, gray whales make their way north to their feeding grounds in Alaska. The Washington coast off Ocean Shores is filled with prime viewing spots to watch the whales during their spring migration. Some whales hang around and feed as they approach Grays Harbor. The majority of these gray whales will eventually reach their summer feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. By then it will be late June, the peak of Arctic summer.
To watch for a Gray, scan the ocean surface for a spout (a spray of tiny water droplets) from the blowholes on top of the whales head. Then, use binoculars or a spotting scope for a closer look. Most gray whales swim within 3 km of shore. While feeding, Grays tend to stay in a small area and follow a simple pattern of breathing and diving. Usually they spout three times at intervals of about 20 seconds while on the surface. Then they sound for two to four minutes to feed, resurfacing to repeat the cycle. A great spot to watch for Grays and the occasional Orca is down at the North Jetty. Sometimes, they get very close to the shore. On two occasions last year, a Gray Whale breached the surface within 50 feet of me and my little kayak. Good thing they don't eat people.




Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
It's supposed to be the end of Spring, but the weather has been so finicky this year. One day it's 80 and sunny, the next is raining and 50. Yuk! This has been affecting the market unfortunately. Anyway, here are some apple to apple comparisons of the Ocean Shores real estate market. Comparisons are from April 1st, 2007 to May 20th, 2007 and then the same time period for 2008.
Residential
4/1/07 - 5/20/07: 32 Sold, Average Square Footage: 1,512 sq ft, Average Price Per Square Foot: $163.15, Average Days on Market: 162, Average Sales Price $235,273.
4/1/08 - 5/20/08: 27 Sold, Average Square Footage: 1,431 sq ft, Average Price Per Square Foot: $135.53, Average Days on Market: 206, Average Sales Price $193,685.
Condos
4/1/07 - 5/20/07: 7 Sold, Average Square Footage: 976 sq ft, Average Price Per Square Foot: $243.51, Average Days on Market: 158, Average Sales Price $240,557.
4/1/08 - 5/20/08: 5 Sold, Average Square Footage: 996 sq ft, Average Price Per Square Foot: $232.35, Average Days on Market: 335, Average Sales Price $246,200.
Land
4/1/07 - 5/20/07: 48 Sold, Average Days on Market: 211, Average Sales Price $50,319
4/1/07 - 5/20/07: 36 Sold, Average Days on Market: 271, Average Sales Price $40,860


Conclusion: It's ugly! Sales are still slow out here on the beach. But, here's a few good excuses on why this is: the weather has for the most part been horrible this Spring (feels like winter most of the time). I thought this planet was heating up? Throw in the mix of record high gas prices and the uncertainty of the upcoming presidential election and things are just a mess. Even though numbers are down, if the property is priced right (and of course marketed properly), it will sell. Buyers are looking for deals out here. New construction is doing very well. Everyone is predicting the market to dramatically heat up during the summer. Overall, real estate values are a function of supply and demand. More and more people are still just discovering Ocean Shores and as they do, they tend to fall in love with this place and buy... All numbers & stats are from the NWMLS. If you have any questions regarding these numbers or activity in the real estate market, please call Jeff Daniel of Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties at 360.581.9020. Thanks!

Upcoming Events

Kite Challenge, Flag Day Parade & Dance, June 14-15
Kite fliers from around the world gather for competitions, activities and kite displays at Ocean Shores Convention Center, Ocean Shores; admission is free, 360.289.0667. A full day of activities! The Kite Challenge is sponsored by "Team Cutting Edge Kites" - 2005 and 2006 World Champions. Free kite flying lessons, stunt competitions, fun flies, displays and more. Also, honor our nation's flag with an old fashioned parade. Over 50 entrants parade through the streets of downtown. Dance to live music from 7-11 p.m. at the Convention Center.
Five Star Dealerships Sand & Sawdust, June 27 - 29
Master woodcarvers from all over the world compete. Auctions held daily. Saturday families and artists compete on the beach for the best sand sculpture. Free sand-sculpting lessons given on Friday.
4th of July Picnic & Fire O'er the Water, July 3 - 4
Celebrate Independence Day on July 3rd at our Community Picnic. Enjoy games, prizes, food, and fun. Stay over for the best fireworks show on the coast at Ocean City.
News

* Ocean Shores Liquor Store Now open 7 Days a Week
After this week's election for a new mayor and two new city council positions, the results are somewhat in and Dean Bunkers will be Ocean Shores' new full-time mayor. Meanwhile, vote totals for the two council positions are too close to call.
* Final Clam Dig of the Season!
Clam enthusiasts have received the go-ahead to proceed with a final razor clam dig May 24, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today. Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches were approved for the one-day morning dig after marine toxin tests showed the clams were safe to eat. Low tide at the beaches will be 9:58 a.m., at 0.5 feet. No digging will be allowed after noon. No digging will be allowed at Long Beach, where the state's annual allowable catch has been reached. Kalaloch Beach remains closed to harvest. Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said "WDFW is able to offer one more dig at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks because there are sufficient clams remaining in the total allowable catch for those beaches. Even though digging was excellent during our early May opener, the digger turnout was lower than expected, leaving enough clams for a last dig." Ayres said. "This is the first time in two decades that WDFW has been able to offer a razor clam opener this late in the spring. Ayres reminded people they must keep the first 15 clams they dig and not return any to the beach.
* Surf Fishermen Pulled Down by Rip Tide
A surf fisherman who was apparently pulled down by a rip tide near Ocean Shores has died. The Grays Harbor County sheriff's office says the 62-year-old Olympia man, Dae W. Rhim, was fishing Friday near the Roosevelt Beach approach when his wife, who was watching from shore, saw him go under. He was pulled out of the surf by a passer-by and died on the way to a hospital. Two people have already died this year on the Washington coast in rip tides. Ocean Shores Deputy Police Chief Russ Fitts says a simple safety rule for waders to follow is, "Ankles OK, knees no way".
* Ocean Shores Liquor Store Now open 7 Days a Week
Just in case you wanted to know...


Jeff Daniel
Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
749 Point Brown Ave NW/PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free) - 1.360.289.3111 (fax)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com
AGENT INFO: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/for/jeffdaniel
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

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Thursday, May 15, 2008

347 Canal Dr NE Ocean Shores, WA 98569

Jeff Daniel | Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties | jeffgdaniel@hotmail.com | 360.581.9020


347 Canal Dr NE, Ocean Shores, WA
Custom Waterfront Home is featured in the Master Builders Tour of

Homes 2008.
3BR/2BA Single Family House
offered at $349,000
Year Built 2008
Sq Footage 1,852
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial
Floors 1
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size 9,000 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Winner! This Custom Waterfront Home is being featured in the Master Builders Tour of Homes 2008 and it can be yours! Open-concept floor plan, hardwood floors, stainless appliances, central vac, dock, tons of decking, massive upgrades & more! Luxury & affordability is here & now. This is the dream home you've always wanted. Location is excellent: on the grand canal, next to the golf course and just a minute from the beach. Another exciting brand new home from the award-winning Custom Builders NW!


see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES































Central heatFireplaceHigh/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closetHardwood floorTile floor
Living roomDining roomBreakfast nook
DishwasherRefrigeratorStove/Oven
MicrowaveGranite countertopStainless steel appliances
Laundry area - insideBalcony, Deck, or PatioYard

COMMUNITY FEATURES















Garage parkingClubhouseSwimming pool(s)
Sauna/SpaTennis court(s)Golf course
LakePlayground


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:





Jeff Daniel
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
360.581.9020
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: May 15, 2008, 10:40am PDT

1472 Tradewind Ave SW Ocean Shores, WA 98569

Jeff Daniel | Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties | jeffgdaniel@hotmail.com | 360.581.9020


1472 Tradewind Ave SW , Ocean Shores, WA
Gorgeous Jetty/Ocean View Home!!!
3BR/3BA Single Family House
offered at $349,000
Year Built 2008
Sq Footage 1,752
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial
Floors 2
Parking 2 Car garage
Lot Size 8,250 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Brand New Construction! Gorgeous Jetty/Ocean View Home under construction & will be completed in June. Fantastic & Forever Views of the Pacific Ocean, the Jetty, Westport, Ships in the Harbor & all the marine wildlife you can handle. Open concept design, stone fireplace, real hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, decks on front & back, huge kitchen, an oversized garage and plenty of room outside for you rv or toys. Another brand new home from the award-winning Custom Builders NW!



see additional photos below
PROPERTY FEATURES






























FireplaceHigh/Vaulted ceilingWalk-in closet
Hardwood floorTile floorFamily room
Dining roomBreakfast nookDishwasher
RefrigeratorStove/OvenMicrowave
Granite countertopStainless steel appliancesLaundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or PatioYard

COMMUNITY FEATURES



















Garage parkingCovered parkingGuest parking
ClubhouseFitness centerSwimming pool(s)
Tennis court(s)Golf courseLake
Playground


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:





Jeff Daniel
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
360.581.9020
For sale by agent/broker

powered by postlets Equal Opportunity Housing
Posted: May 15, 2008, 10:42am PDT