Home Repair Minimalist: November 2007

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
October '07 versus October '06 in Ocean Shores
29 homes sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $207,778 or $145 selling price per square foot versus 25 Homes sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $204,818 or $152 selling price per square foot.
23 Lots sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $50,217 versus 17 Lots sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $35,929.
6 Condos sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $151,575 or $137 selling price per square foot versus 2 Condos sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $314,000 or $291 selling price per square foot.

Conclusion: In this one-month snap shot, sales are down, values are down and Ocean Shores, like most of the rest of the country, isn't exempt from the recent housing downturn. However, if you take a leisurely drive around Ocean Shores, you'll find over 100 new homes being built, over 700 new condos are being built, hundreds of lots are being cleared and new businesses are steadily opening in the downtown core. Additionally, the City has issued over 171 single family home building permits to date for 2007. That's three more than last year at this time and this year is on track to be the second highest year of permits issued on record. Clearly Ocean Shores is still in the early phase of it's development and even though sales are down, the market here hasn't lost much momentum at all.

Statistics not compiled or published by the NWMLS. Statistics are based upon data provided by the NWML and compiled by Jeff Daniel of Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties.

Seabrook Still on the Rise.
Once again, Seabrook continues to buck the slow down in housing due to strong fundamentals and is on pace to double sales in 2007 over 2006 numbers. Seabrook's incredible beach and breathtaking views are really the icing on the cake of a well designed town where the attention to detail is unlike anything in the Northwest. The limited supply of quality places like this within a short drive from Seattle is the cornerstone of Seabrook. Click "HERE" to see a Seabrook Home Listing.

Hogan's Corner Resort?
A Hogan's Corner resort that would feature a golf course, a hotel with an indoor water park and a condominium complex was given preliminary approval by the Grays Harbor County Commissioners recently. No the developers are in the process of finding a buyer for the $12.75 million dollars project just outside of Ocean Shores. The Planned Unit Development envisions in addition to the golf course, hotel, water park and condos, a residential component that could accommodate as many as 504 residences. Some 50,000 square feet of commercial space is also planned on the 542 acres available for this project.

Upcoming Events
* Winter Fanta-Sea Craft Show - Nov 23-25
Over 70 arts and crafts booths feature thousands of unique handmade items just in time for the holidays at the Convention Center.
* Festival of Trees - Dec 3
Each year, local families, businesses & organizations decorate trees at the Ocean Shores Shilo Inn. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean Shores Food bank and the North Beach Senior Center.
* North Beach Singers Christmas Cantata - Dec 7-8
The North Beach Singers present Yuletide favorites to bring in the holiday season at the Convention Center. Admission is free.
* One Beach of a Sale - Jan 12th
The Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce is planning a brand new city-wide clearance and garage sale at the Convention Center that'll last all day. Shoppers will be searching out new and quality used items from residents and local antique dealers. In addition, there will be a bus available to take shoppers all around downtown for free. To request a booth, contact the Chamber at 360.289.2451. Space is limited to 60 booths.
* Antique & Collectible Show - Feb 9-10
6th annual Antique & Collectible show offers seminars, expert evaluation and over 80 booths at the Convention Center. Huge event!

News
* Election Results
Voters in Ocean Shores recently decided to reorganize under a new form of government. The new strong mayor form of government also means that the city will eventually add two council members. The current council will likely approve a resolution calling for a special primary election in March, followed by a General Election in April electing a new full-time mayor. It appears City Manager Rich McEachin would keep his job until a new mayor is elected. At that point, the City Manager position will likely no longer exist.
* City Manager Puts His House on the Market.
I guess you could put this into the above news brief, but city manager Rich McEachin put his house on the market this past week. I guess this is a sign he won't be running for mayor next spring...

* Second Razor Clam Dig of the Season is Near.
The second razor clam dig of the fall season will open Friday on evening tides at four beaches. Evening digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks on Friday and Saturday. Twin Harbors will stay open Sunday and Monday. Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, said he expects plenty of diggers to hit the beaches this weekend. "Holidays are a popular time for people to go clam digging," he said. "We do expect a larger crowd than might normally come out in November. And the weather report is looking favorable, so that will also mean more diggers." The next dig is scheduled for Friday, December 21st & Saturday, December 22nd.
* New Grocery Store Moves Forward in Ocean Shores
Sources tell me that the current ownership of the IGA has exercised their option to build a new grocery store in the downtown area bumping up against the Post Office, bordered by the liquor store and Alec's Restaurant. The new location is not fare from where the current IGA sits. The new building will more than double the total square footage from 18,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft which will provide many opportunities for growth and expanded areas in the meat, produce and deli departments as well as a in-store bank and the possibility of a new pharmacy. The store is currently waiting for an anticipated start date. Construction should take approximately 8 months.
* City Approves new Fire Station
The city council approved an $8 million, 25-year loan to finance the construction of a new fire station in Ocean Shores. The new building will be built on the Point Brown Avenue site next to the police station.
* Possible Shipwreck washes up in Ocean Shores
A mystery has washed up on the beaches of Ocean Shores - a possible shipwreck. Ocean Shores' Museum and Interpretive Center will take over the find, protect it, and try and find out just what ship the piece came from. The Museum's director says he'll consult with marine historians and naval architects. Historic drawings and how the piece was put together should be able to narrow down the time frame as to just how old this ship is, if it is in fact, a ship.
* Blog Crazy
I like blogs. They're easy to make. Here's a few of mine. Check them out sometime by clicking on the title below:
My Kayak Surfing Blog
My Ocean Shores Real Estate Blog
My Active Rain Blog
My Windows Spaces Blog

Did You Know
* Tourism Fact
Ocean Shores is the second most visited destination in Washington State? Boasting miles and miles of beaches, a golf course, casino, 23 miles of freshwater to explore and a marina, Ocean Shores is truly one of Washington's best getaways. Over 4 million people visit every year.

http://cityofoceanshores.com/default.htm has been updated and includes all of 2008's official events.

Check it out!