New Home Sales Surge in April

New Home Sales Surge in April

Sales of new single-family homes jumped 16.2 percent in April, the largest increase in 14 years, but the median price fell 11.1 percent, marking the largest one-month decline on record, according to the Commerce Department.

Analysts regarded the mixed signals cautiously, saying that troubles in the subprime market could further crimp demand in coming months.

''What you're seeing is the blue-light special,'' says Pat McPherron, an economist with Moody's Economy.com. ''The only way this market is going to move is by price cutting.''

The strength in new-home sales was led by a 27.8 percent increase in the South. Sales were also up in the West by 8.5 percent and in the Northeast by 3.8 percent. In the Midwest, sales fell 4 percent. Meanwhile, April's median new-home price of $229,100 made the record books as the largest-ever month-over-month decline, as well as the biggest year-over-year drop (10.9 percent) since 1970.

Source: The New York Times (05/25/07)

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Dreamscape Condos

Luxurious Condominiums:
Located at the Southern tip of Ocean Shores, these units include two or three bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchens featuring maple cabinets, tile floors and granite counters; living rooms with a fireplace and separate dining area with private decks. Perfect for a company retreat or multi-family uses. Watch ships, whales, and fishing boats from the comforts of your own private getaway. Seconds from pristine beaches and beach combing. Prices range from $259,000 to $399,000. Don't wait until they're all sold out! These condos are being offered at these low prices from the builder direct! Isn't it time to "Live Your Dream?"

Spectacular Views:
The lights of Westport
Abundant Wildlife
Whale Watching from your deck
Storm watching from your Greatroom or from your large covered private deck
Ship traffic in the harbor
A variety of birds for the bird watchers

Extras:
Large covered private decks
Elevator Stack washer/dryer
Garages with automatic doors available first come basis ($25,000.00)
Large Storage Units for Condos on ground level w/access from elevator
Wired throughout for Cable TV and High Speed Internet
Central Hot Water System Glass railings on decks
And of course: VIEWS TO DIE FOR

Each Unit Offers:
Tile floors in entry, kitchen & baths
Carpeting in other areas
2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
Master Bedroom
Master Bath with Jacuzzi jetted tub with granite tub surround
Both baths have granite countertops with undermounted sinks
A Greatroom with electric fireplace and unbelievable views
Dining area with water views
Deluxe Kitchen with stainless steel appliances & granite counters/island
Central constant hot water Stack washer/dryer

Kitchens Include:
Granite counter tops
Granite Island with eating bar
Stainless steel appliances
Garbage disposal
Side by side
Refrigerator with water & ice on door
Microwave Dishwasher Range/stove combo
Generous counterspace and storage cabinets.

For more information including pricing, floor plans, furniture options, etc., call Jeff Daniel at 360.581.9020 or send an email by clicking HERE. Don't wait too long, the owners are talking about raising prices this summer!

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Land is the Basis of all Wealth

Purchasing land can be one of the most sound investment real estate strategies available today and is a viable opportunity for both large and small real estate buyers.

Some of possible benefits that can be obtained with Tenants-in-Common (TIC) ownership in undeveloped land include:
* A chance to own land for smaller investment amounts - as low as $22,000
* Strong appreciation potential
* Opportunity for better overall yield
* Ground floor opportunity
* Portfolio diversification
* Simple management
* Pride of ownership in a tangible asset

The Ocean Shores and North Beach areas are blossoming into one of the finest areas in all of the Northwest. Property values have quadrupled in the past 4 years out here on the beach and prices are still going up. Don't wait until properties are unattainable. Buy now!

Jeff Daniel/Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
360.581.9020 (cell)
1.888.469.3100 (toll free)

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Home Pages

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Waterfront Homes Weather the Storm

Daily Real Estate News April 16, 2007

Even when the rest of the market is slipping, there's one way to find a property that's almost sure to hold its value: Head to the water.

“[Waterfront property] appreciates faster in good times and declines in value at a slower rate in bad times,” says Alan Hummel, past president of the Appraisal Institute and chief appraiser of Forsythe Appraisals.

What about the increased risk of storms and flooding on the coasts? That won't keep the market down, experts say. Robert Hartwig, president and chief economist with the Insurance Information Institute, told a U.S. Senate committee on last week that the value of insured coastal property will double within the next decade. Hartwig cited a growing number of people who want to live in coastal areas, including in hurricane belts.

The greatest resistance to price declines in a slowing housing market is in areas with limited supply of homes and where buyers are users, not simply investors, says real estate adviser Lewis Goodkin, president of Goodkin Consulting.

Source: Investors Business Daily, Marilyn Alva (04/12/2007)

(ed note: Ocean Shores has miles and miles of Oceanfront, Bayfront, Jettyfront, Lakefront and Canalfront homes.)

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Surfing at Damon Point in Ocean Shores

I found a link on You Tube of some guys surfing at Damon Point. The waves don't always look this, but they did last Thursday (3.29.07) when I was out with a few board surfers and I was in my Kayak. Click the link for more info: Damon Point Surfing

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7 Ways to Get Rid of Pet Odors

When a house you’re trying to sell smells like a pet, there are some tactics that can improve the odor situation. Don Aslett, owner of Varsity Contractors, offers up these tips for identifying the source of the smell and then eliminating it:

Use a fluorescent black light (pet-supply stores sell them), to expose odor-producing spots on the carpet, couch, floorboards and even on drapes.

Remove all solids and blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean towel. Apply an appropriate odor neutralizer or cleaner according to directions.

Never use ammonia, which takes on the smell of what it's supposed to be cleaning, can trigger more accidents.

Choose the best product to remove the problem. On water-safe surfaces, try Simple Solution stain and odor remover. The problem area must be thoroughly soaked and left to dry.

Bramton's Oxy Solution Pet Stain and Odor Destroyer can remove odors and stains from surfaces that won’t withstand soaking, but test first in an out-of-the way place.

The most effective and safest disinfectant for use around pets is Chlorhexidine, which is sold under such names as Nolvasan, Chlorasan and Chlorhex by veterinarians and medical-supply outlets. Use these for problems that demand deep cleaning.

When all else fails, temporarily neutralize odors using a product such as Fresh Wave.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Sarah Casey Newman (03/10/2007)

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