Top Stories of 2008
Not much happens out here at the beach, but a few events managed to make headlines last year....

* Hundreds of mysterious silver canisters that once contained rat poison washed up on our beaches...

* Ocean Shores was featured as one of the top 16 most affordable coastal communities in Coastal Living magazine...
* The Ocean Shores / Westport Ferry known as the El Matador shut down operations because of too much muck in the Marina...

* The Fire Department moved forward with the construction of a new 20,000 square foot fire station on Point Brown Avenue...

* The Grays Harbor County Commissioners approved a $3 million dollar loan to construct a new water system just outside of town...

* The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a permit for the Grays Harbor Ocean Energy Co. to conduct a feasibility study for generating power from wind and wave energy off of our coast. Hopefully coming soon...

* The Weatherwax property - an undeveloped 120 acre forest tract near the center of town - will stay that way...

* The local election brought us a strong mayor in Ocean Shores for the first time (rather than an appointed one). We also found out that Mayor Dean Bunkers is the highest paid government official in Grays Harbor County (never came up during the election interestingly enough) just before he announced the layoffs of eight city employees.

* The beach had more snowfall than most can remember this past December. It sure doesn't feel like global warming these days...


Real Estate Update

It's no secret that 2008 was a horrible year for most if not all businesses (except Walmart of course) in the country. Here are some numbers regarding Ocean Shores real estate:
* 206 Homes sold in 2008 for an average sales price of $194,480 compared to 241 Homes sold in 2007 for an average sales price of $209,783.
* Currently, there's 228 Homes on the market for an average price of $259,367 compared to 217 Homes on the market last year at this time for an average price of $275,592.

* 189 Lots sold in 2008 for an average sales price of $47,799 compared to 322 Lots sold in Ocean Shores during 2007 for an average sales price of $54,655. Ouch.
* Currently, there's 518 Lots on the market compared to 580 Lots on the market this time last year.
* Condo sales at the beach this past year wasn't very good. That's the bad news. The good news, is that condo prices in Ocean Shores are more reasonable than ever. There are some screaming deals these days on waterfront condos at the beach. Send me an email to get a list.



On another note, even though the Ocean Shores real estate market was off this past year, consider how bad the market is in a few other beach towns. All things said, real estate is doing pretty good in Ocean Shores.

* Ocean Shores sold 206 Homes and 189 Lots in 2008 compared to 241 Homes and 322 Lots in 2007.

* Seabrook/Pacific Beach sold 5 Homes and 1 Lot in 2008 compared to 16 Homes and 16 Lots in 2007.

* Westport sold 29 Homes and 8 Lots in 2008 compared to 51 Homes and 22 Lots in 2007.

* Long Beach sold 43 Homes and 15 Lots in 2008 compared to 73 Homes and 39 Lots in 2007.



Summary: Ocean Shores is still the most affordable coastal community in the country and that's a big reason why a lot of baby boomers are retiring in Ocean Shores and numerous people move here to work, play and buy their vacation getaways. Now is the best time to buy in Ocean Shores!


Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties is #1
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties finished out 2007 as the Number One (#1) Real Estate Sales Office in Ocean Shores last year. This year, not only were we the #1 office in town again, we are the #1 office in all of Grays Harbor County! We sold more properties in the county this past year than any other office around. Congratulations and thanks to the customers, owners, agents, employees and friends of Coldwell Banker for making us the top real estate office in Ocean Shores and the entire Grays Harbor County.

On a personal note, I would very much like to thank everyone who helped me in becoming the #1 agent in not only Ocean Shores, but all of Grays Harbor County as well.

-all real estate statistics are supplied by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.



Here's a list of Sweet Deals for Sale at the Beach!



Upcoming Events
Four-day razor clam dig approved starting January 8th
Clam diggers have received the go-ahead to proceed with a razor-clam dig starting Thursday, Jan. 8, with an additional dig tentatively planned for February. our evening digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks Jan. 8-11, while Long Beach is scheduled for three digs Jan. 9-11. As with previous openers, digging will be allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight.

Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2008 Washington state annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov. Washington's beaches, which are managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, are considered state highways and all rules of the road apply.

Opening dates and evening low tides:
Thursday, Jan. 8 (4:13 p.m., -0.2 ft.) Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Friday, Jan. 9 (5:07 p.m., -0.8 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Saturday, Jan. 10 (5:58 p.m., -1.1 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Sunday, Jan. 11, (6:45 p.m., -1.2 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

Beaches scheduled to open are:
Long Beach, which extends from the Columbia River to Leadbetter Point.
Twin Harbors Beach, which extends from the mouth of Willapa Bay north to the south jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor.
Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River, and includes the Copalis, Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas.
Mocrocks Beach, which extends from the Copalis River to the southern boundary of the Quinault Reservation near the Moclips River, including Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips.

Digs tentatively scheduled for February:
Friday, Feb. 6 (3:55 p.m., -0.1 ft.) Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Saturday, Feb. 7 (4:50 p.m., -0.4 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
Sunday, Feb. 8 (5:39 p.m., -0.6 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks

Ocean Shores Antique & Collectible Show
Feb 14-15, 2009
The 7th Annual Show at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Over eighty booths offering a wide variety of antiques including dolls, glass, furniture, American Art pottery, and much, much more. Last year's event raised $4,235.90 for the Ocean Shores Food Bank and the SeaPal Quilters for their quilt guild charities. For a small donation to local charities and nonprofits, you can have your treasures evaluated. Hourly Door Prizes.

News
Local Doctor will merge with proposed Medical Complex
Dr. John Holm, of Coastal Family Medicine, has decided he will merge his practice with the proposed Ocean Reach Medical Complex, set to open in early 2010. Late last year, David J. Freeman, an architect from Gig Harbor of Snodgrass Freeman and Associates, announced he is working with a developer to build a $7.8 million, 42,000 square foot urgent care clinic at a 1.5 acre site at the corner of Point Brown and Magellan avenues. Currently, Holm's office is one of the only medical facilities in the North Beach area, and he is not taking any new patients. The new facility could employ up to 30 people, including three family practitioners, two physician assistants, four nurses and a few specialists. The project is set to include a health spa, a drive-through pharmacy as well as classroom space for students in the nursing and medical technician programs at Grays Harbor College. - source: the daily world.


Grass Carp are back
The State Department of Ecology has awarded $75,000 to the city to purchase grass carp to control Brazilian elodea, the invasive aquatic weed in the fresh waterways system. The city has plans to put approximately 7,500 grass carp (that's a buck a fish which is cheaper than any fish you can buy at Walmart by the way) into the fresh water systems to feed on the elodea. The city did this in the past as well to mixed results. Some of the old carp are visible these days in lengths of up to four feet long. Elodea has created many problems in the Ocean Shores waterways for years. It grows in thick, dense strands, which makes recreational activities, such as swimming, fishing and boating difficult. The city has tried to control the weeds for years with minimal success. The city had some success using herbicides to kill the elodea in recent years, but the cost was too high and it killed all the native weeds as well which really destroyed the bass fishing. Bass like weeds, especially native weeds. The thought is that the new carp will just eat the Elodea and stay on top of it. Hopefully this will work for a year or two... - source: the daily world.

I hope your Holidays were great!

Jeff Daniel
Associate 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://cityofoceanshores.postlets.com/
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/local/jeffdaniel
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

Wintertime Storm Watching Vertical rain, 70 mph wind and 30-foot swells don't sound much like visitor attractions, but Washington coast storm watching is the thing to do out here on the beach during the winter months. Dozens of ferocious storms typically batter the coast between November and March. January and February traditionally deliver the most wicked weather. The wintertime storms in Ocean Shores are awesome to watch and experience. Watching Mother Nature do her thing is truly a spectacular site. If you can, make your way down to the North Jetty next time we get a good winter storm. The power and impact of the large waves crashing against the jetty wall and spaying inland is truly something exciting to see. This is really one of my favorite times of the year out here on the beach. Remembering the '07 Storm One year ago this month, Grays Harbor County and Ocean Shores were battered with a monster storm that over the course of two days, spread devastation that was unmatched since the Columbus Day Storm of 1962. The storm started with a bang Sunday night during the first week of December last year when fierce winds kicked up. The winds blew from 40 mph to over 60 mph. Individual gusts hit 100 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The winds actually got stronger from Sunday to Monday before finally tapering off. Ocean Shores was without power for nearly five days. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but a few houses at the south end of town got a little wet. During last December's storm, I received numerous emails from people who were concerned about the status of their houses here in Ocean Shores. My internet was up and I was able to update my websites and various blogs with storm updates and pictures. I was also able to check out their properties and let them know that their houses were fine. So you know, please feel free to contact me to check on your properties as well next time we have another big storm. It was no problem at all. But, if you live here, there's a few things to be aware of in case we lose the power for more than just a few hours: 1. If you're going to have a residence in Ocean Shores, you need a gas powered generator. 2. If you have a generator, make sure you have at least 10 gallons of gas at home. The gas stations here can't pump gas without power so you'll need to count on yourself. 3. Qwest is my telephone and internet provider. Qwest didn't lose service at all during last years storm. If you have telephone or internet through the cable company, you'll have nothing because the local cable company goes down as the power goes down. 4. If you don't have satellite for your television, you won't be able to watch the news or whatever. If you have cable, you'll have nothing because the local cable company goes down as the power goes down. I have service with the Dish Network and we were able to watch television like all was well. Real Estate Forecast I'm usually not one for predictions, but I'm still confident in what I was telling people last winter and that is that it's going to take 18 months before this market turns positive again. A new president, the ending of a war, new optimism and more. This renewed sense of optimism will lead to hope which will lead to consumer spending. That must be a Yoda line or something. Once this happens, it's good times again. No one could've predicted the mess the country is in right now and of course the trickle down effect has taken it's toll on this market as well. That being said, the Ocean Shores real estate market will bounce back vigorously in June 2009 and by mid July or August, home builders in Ocean Shores will be back to raising their prices and values will be on the rise once again. Overall, prices seem to be hitting the bottom now with the exception of a few foreclosures here and there polluting our inventory of homes at the beach. If we haven't bottomed out yet, the moment is certainly getting closer. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are at 5 percent now, and last week there were suggestions that the federal government might try to drive them down to 4.5 percent, a truly incredible figure to be able to lock in for three decades. Low inventory, low prices and cheap money are all in play assuming you've got great credit, steady income and a down payment... just like the old days when those who could afford to buy a house did and those who couldn't, didn't... Anyway, when this crisis has ended and housing prices are up again, will you look in the mirror and realize that you missed out on this golden opportunity to get in cheap? Or, will you NOT be kicking yourself because you took advantage of what is likely to turn out to be the buying opportunity of a lifetime... Upcoming Events Clam Digging! Time to go, another clam dig is on, set for this coming weekend. Four evening digs are scheduled at Copalis and Mocrocks Dec. 11-14. Digging will be restricted to the hours between noon and midnight. Dates, times and open beaches are: Thursday, Dec. 11 (5:23 p.m. -1.1 ft.) Copalis, Mocrocks. Friday, Dec. 12 (6:13 p.m. -1.5 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks. Saturday, Dec. 13 (7:02 p.m. -1.6 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks. Sunday, Dec. 14 (7:50 p.m. -1.4 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks. Further digs are tentatively scheduled for Jan. 8-11 and Feb. 6-8. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2008 annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination fishing license is valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the Wildlife Department website at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov. Clam diggers are not required to display their licenses on outer clothing. Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River, and includes the Copalis, Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas. Mocrocks Beach, which extends from the Copalis River to the southern boundary of the Quinault Reservation near the Moclips River, including Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific Beach and Moclips. North Beach Singers Christmas Cantata December 12-13. The North Beach Singers present Yuletide favorites to bring in the holiday season. Admission is free. Ocean Shores Antique & Collectible Show Over 80 Booths of Antiques & Vintage Collectibles Feb 14-15, 2009 The 7th Annual Show at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Over eighty booths offering a wide variety of antiques including dolls, glass, furniture, American Art pottery, and much, much more. Last year's event raised $4,235.90 for the Ocean Shores Food Bank and the SeaPal Quilters for their quilt guild charities. For a small donation to local charities and nonprofits, you can have your treasures evaluated. Hourly Door Prizes. News The Aberdeen Daily World recently published an interesting story about the mayor of Ocean Shores titled "Ocean Shores mayor tops list of officials' pay." The article reports that "Ocean Shores Mayor Dean Bunkers is the highest paid elected official on the Twin Harbors, a Daily World analysis of government salaries shows. With an annual salary of $99,600, Bunkers makes more than twice what a state senator receives, nearly nine times what Aberdeen Mayor Bill Simpson makes and 80 times what Oakville Mayor Mitchell Smith takes in. In fact, The Daily World found he's the eleventh highest paid mayor in the state." Mayor Bunkers gets paid more for being mayor of Ocean Shores more than the mayors of Mount Vernon, Lynnwood, Tacoma, Marysville, Issaquah, Tukwila, Anacortes, Wenatchee and Bainbridge Island. Who said there was no high paying jobs in Grays Harbor County? Happy Holidays! Jeff Daniel Associate 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://cityofoceanshores.postlets.com/ PROPERTY SEARCH: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/local/jeffdaniel OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

Fall Time
The weather during the month of October has been so nice and warm out here on the beach lately. Guess that makes up for our not-so-nice summer this past year. These are the months that I really enjoy because the tourists are pretty much gone, the weather is actually nicer and I have the beach all to myself! Not really, but at least it doesn't look like a parking lot out there anymore.

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
Sales are down. You knew that right? If you do, then you also know that this is the type of Real Estate market that a year from now everybody is going to say, "I wish I had bought back then." All the factors are lining up. Now is the time to buy. Just consider the following:
* Interest rates are dropping below 6% on residential mortgage loans.
* Lenders are all telling me that there is money available with five percent down or less.
* Buyers need to have steady employment and a reasonable credit rating.
* Home inventories are being absorbed - meaning that there are less homes to choose from these days.

As inventories shrink, and borrowing becomes affordable, sales will increase and values will again increase. Are the buyers who buy over the next year likely to be buying at the bottom of the market and benefit from excellent appreciation? Every indication that I see says yes. Now is the time to buy.

Dreamscape Condos Open House!
I though this was worth sharing. At an open house at the Dreamscape Condos last Saturday, a nice pair from the Seattle area were checking out the condos and enjoying the view of the Pacific and Westport when three whales all breached the water just in front of the condos and put on a little show for everyone. How cool is that? Email or call me at 360.581.9020 for more info regarding Dreamscape Condos today!

Upcoming Events
Clam Digging!
2008 Clam dig schedule (Tentative) To confirm, please visit: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish.html

November - 13th (6:27 pm -1.6), 14th (7:15 pm -1.8), 15th (8:04 pm -1.6), 16th (8:54 pm -1.2).
December -11th (5:23 pm -1.1), 12th (6:13 pm -1.5), 13th (7:02 pm -1.6), 14th (7:50 pm -1.4)

Dixieland Jazz Festival
Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 9, 2008
Jazz bands from around the United States and Canada join together to offer over 100 hours of live jazz at several venues throughout Ocean Shores.

Winter Fanta-Sea Arts & Crafts Show
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Over 70 arts and crafts booths feature thousands of unique handmade items just in time for the holidays! Bring the kids, Santa will be there to listen to all of your Christmas wishes.

North Beach Singers Christmas Cantata
December 12-13. The North Beach Singers
present Yuletide favorites to bring in the holiday season. Admission is free.

10 Things About Ocean Shores You Probably Don't Know (Unless You Live Here)

1. Deer are everywhere. They cross the streets without looking. They stand around and hangout everywhere - the beach, your front yard, the side of the road.... everywhere. Seeing two or three deer grazing on the side of the road is no big deal. Seeing a big three point buck grazing on a vacant lot is normal. They have the right-of-way. Oh, the deer aren't really afraid of people or cars either. I've had them eat an apple and some Doritos out of my hand before. No, you can't take one home.

2. When it rains here, the rain comes down at an angle most of the time - sometimes sideways.

3. There are 23 miles of interconnecting freshwater lakes and canals in Ocean Shores. Fishing, boating, waterskiing, playing and just flat out relaxing is all encouraged. Where else can you have a lot or a house on freshwater with a dock and then be only a minute from the beach?

4. The bumpy roads are disappearing... Every inch of every road in Ocean Shores has either already been replaced with brand new asphalt or it will be soon. By the spring of 2010, the city will have completely repaved Ocean Shores.

5. The beach here is actually classified as a State Highway where the speed limit of 25 mph is strictly enforced. No dirt bikes or quads, but your car is just fine. Stay out of the soft sand unless you want to get stuck. Donuts in the sand are a no-no!

6. When it's really, really nice in the Puget Sound area (like in the upper '80s and up), it's very likely that for a good part of the day, Ocean Shores will be fogged out (the hot air mixing with the cold ocean water). And on the other hand, when it's crappy in the Puget Sound, there's a good chance it's nice here. Typically, our nicest (warmest) weather is in the months of May, June, September and October.

7. Nearly every home and camping lot has a campfire pit on it. Campfires are welcome year 'round. Most people keep them in the backyard.

8. Its crazy with wildlife here. Forget the deer - they're pretty much domesticated. It's the raccoons, possums, bear, rabbits, otters, eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, blue heron, seagulls, ducks, geese, pelicans, seals, sea lions, whales, porpoises and the occasional shark that are all eye candy.

9. It rarely ever floods here. When it rains heavy (mainly during the winter months), most of the water runoff ends up in the canals and lakes. That water level is controlled by a man-made overflow at the sound end of the Grand Canal. When the canal water level exceeds the height of the overflow, freshwater then spills into Grays Harbor. This can also be reversed when we have an extreme high tide and ocean water can enter the canal and lake system.

10. This is a great place to raise a family. There's the new elementary school, its safe here, there are tons of free outdoor activities and plenty of organizations for kids to get involved with. More than anything, even though Ocean Shores is Washington's most visited seaside destination, this small town is perfect for raising a kid.

News
News at the beach is slow. With the exception of the ongoing Weatherwax property debate, the city's budget woes and some knucklehead who tried to set himself on fire, we're all busy watching the elections. Maybe next month.

Jeff Daniel
Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free) - 1.360.289.3111 (fax)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://cityofoceanshores.postlets.com/
OCEAN SHORES INFORMATION: http://cityofoceanshores.com/
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

Try this: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com

Hi. This is my first log on Agent Space.