Jeff's space: Travel

cityofoceanshores.com update 05.2008

Thu, 22 May 2008 20:03:39 GMT

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

Click a link below!

cityofoceanshores.com newsletter 04.2008

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:08:01 GMT

Springtime at the Beach!

Spring is back! We had an 80 degree day last Saturday. It was summertime in the springtime. And then of course it rained on Sunday... Ugh. Spring is coming they tell us. The past few weeks the town has been busy as families and kids were visiting the beach during their Spring Break. Summer's right around the corner....

Ocean Shores Featured in Coastal Living

What has been known as the "richest little city" has made it into one of the largest national publications about living in a coastal community. Ocean Shores has been featured as one of the top 16 most affordable coastal communities in Coastal Living magazine. The article, "So You Want to Live on the Coast," hit magazine stands a couple weeks ago. The magazine has a subscription base of 650,000, but reaches an audience of more than 3.2 million readers. About a year and a half ago, the magazine did a feature on the town of Seabrook, also in the North Beach area. While staff from the magazine visited the area, they also toured Ocean Shores. That brief visit may have been one of the reasons the magazine decided to do a separate feature on Ocean Shores, according to Ken Mercer, director of tourism at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, "They made the judgment that it's a pretty cool town," Mercer said. "They liked what they saw." (of course they did!) Click HERE to read the full article.

Real Estate Update

Real Estate activity has been semi-steady during the 1st quarter of 2008. Here is a summary and comparison of the market today in Ocean Shores versus 2007.

37 Homes sold during 1st quarter 2008 for an average sales price of $211,534 versus 46 Homes sold during 1st quarter 2007 for an average sales price of $192,175. Sales are down, average sales prices are up.

50 Vacant Lots sold during 1st quarter 2008 for an average sales price of $42,573 versus 48 Vacant Lots sold during 1st quarter 2007 for an average sales price of $53,082. Sales are up, average prices are down.

Conclusion: Sales are slower in town. It's been colder than usual this year. There's also less agents around which is a good thing. Inventory is still too high and once it comes down, prices will continue to rise. 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.

"Hot Properties"

Click HERE to see the best deals in town right now!

Are Condo Sales Dead?

Only 2 condos sold in Ocean Shores during the entire 1st quarter of 2008 versus 8 condos sold during 1st quarter of 2007. Is the condo craze over or has the marketing for them gone down the tube? The Dreamscape Condo for example has only sold one Condo so far this year (sold by Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties of course).

Upcoming Events

* North Coast Folk Festival - April 18-19

John Stewart (original member and song writer of the famed Kingston Trio), Tillers Folly (Canadian Celtic performers), renowned blues artist Del Ray, Tom May and Prairie Flyer (an award winning bluegrass band from Spokane) are just part of the bill. In addition to a great weekend of music, there will also be vendors, food and drink. You won't want to miss this exciting event.

* Razor Clam Dig Approved on four Ocean Beaches

Clam diggers will proceed with a morning razor clam dig starting April 19 at four ocean beaches after marine toxin tests showed the clams at those beaches are safe to eat. Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks will all be open for digging April 19-20. Twin Harbors will be open for three additional days, April 21-23, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). No digging will be allowed after noon on any beach. Kalaloch Beach will remain closed to harvest.

Depending on harvest numbers after the April opener, there may be enough clams left in the quota on some beaches for additional digging opportunities in May, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. "With the variable digging conditions we've experienced since the first of the year, the harvest has been lower than expected," Ayres said. "Following this April opener we'll know if there will be enough clams for some May digging on one or more beaches."

Ayres advises diggers to check the Washington Department of Transportation website, which provides project updates and traffic cameras: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/camerahtm. Dates and low tides are: Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River and includes the Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas.

* Bash at the Beach
The Quinault Beach Resort and Casino is returning to the fight game when it hosts "Bash At The Beach" on Thursday, April 24. Five bouts are tentatively scheduled for the event card, including heavyweight prospect Eric "Night Train" Boose, a women's Washington state welterweight title defense and the professional debut for Moclips' Sky Bell. Tickets are on sale now at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. Ringside tickets are $40, VIP tickets are $25 and general seating is $15. For tickets, either walk up on the night of the fights or call (888) 461-2214.

* Country Music Jam - May 3-4
Saturday & Sunday afternoon open Jam Sessions
Sat. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm / Sun. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Ocean Shores Convention Center
Saturday Night Dinner-Dance
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm at the Ocean Shores Convention Center

News

US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge Getting Set to Reopen

The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge to all traffic. During the closure, traffic will be detoured over the nearby Riverside Bridge. The Riverside Bridge will be reconfigured from two westbound lanes to one lane in each direction. Crews will replace the electrical and mechanical components of the bridge's draw span during the closure. Here is the link to the project web page: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/. Plan in advance so you don't spend too much time stuck in traffic. The bridge should be back in action by early May or the end of this month. Yeah!

* Funky fish washes up near Ocean Shores
Another oddity has washed up along the Washington coast. KING 5 viewer Curtis Fowler found this fish about 15 miles north of Ocean Shores. Three weeks later, he found another. It turns out to be a critter called the Long Nose Lancet, something experts say has washed up on our coast before. The fish mainly lives in deep tropical and subtropical waters, but will venture out for food or to breed. And it's got a mouth of razor-sharp teeth. Creepy. - Source: The Daily World.

* The Ferry is Closed

Tourists looking for a scenic shortcut between Westport and Ocean Shores this summer are out of luck. The buildup of sand and silt in the Ocean Shores Marina has caused the passenger ferry linking the two cities to close. "It's hard on the equipment," said ferry owner Bill Walsh. "It's hard running on the mud and the sand." The buildup at the entrance and inside the marina has steadily worsened over the past three years, said Walsh.

The ferry, El Matador, lost income because it couldn't run on time. Ridership declined when people tired of the extended waits between trips and that forced him to raise the fare -from $10 per round trip to $12.50. Walsh has discontinued ferry service intermittently over the past few years, but this is the first time since it began in 1986 that he has been forced to shut down completely.

The only way to make the ferry operational would be to dredge the channel to the Ocean Shores Marina as well as the basin inside it. According to Walsh, the marina has never been dredged since it opened in 1962. Section 10 of the Federal Rivers and Harbors Act doesn't allow dredging without a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. So far, no local government entity in Grays Harbor County has applied for a permit to begin dredging. In addition to obtaining a permit from the Corps, the proponent would need approval from the Quinault Indian Nation's Enterprise Board, since the Nation owns the marina.

But seeking that approval is difficult, according to Guy Capoeman, vice chairman for the Quinault Indian Nation. Dredging means disturbing natural habitat and would require mitigation, which means providing land to compensate for the affected habitat. Authorizing dredging is only part of it. How to pay for it still has to be hashed out between the Corps of Engineers and the Quinault Indian Nation. The Corps is responsible for paying for federal navigation projects, which include dredging. That funding comes from Congress. The catch is that only the entrance channel to the marina qualifies as a federal navigation project. The Quinault Nation would be responsible for the basin, according to Lester Soule, chief of civil programs and projects of the Army Corps of Engineers.

In 2000, the Quinault Nation initiated a feasibility study that included dredging the entrance channel for a vehicular ferry and moving a section of breakwater in the marina. The study examined placing additional docks at the marina for the Quinault's commercial fishing fleet and building a resort on the shore. The Corps ran out of federal funding to back the study in 2005 and it was never completed. The study estimated the cost for the project at $9.5 million, only $1.5 million of which would be federally funded. The other $8 million would have to come from the Quinault Nation.

Soule said Congress quit funding the project because it didn't view the project as a good investment. Officials from all across Grays Harbor County are forming a task group to figure out how to get the ferry operating next year. - Source: The Daily World.

* Lady Drowns in the Surf

A 50-year-old Bremerton woman drowned at the beach at Ocean Shores while on a family outing. Carol Davidson was with her adult daughter and grandchildren on a trip to the beach when she walked out to play in the surf, according to the Grays Harbor Sheriffs Office. The daughter, an Aberdeen woman, was looking after her children when she heard her mother calling for help. The daughter couldn't find Davidson when she looked at the last place she had seen her, and she and other people on the beach searched for Davidson and called 911, said Undersheriff Rick Scott. After a short time they saw her floating in the water, unconscious.

The death appears to be a case of the woman falling victim to the vicious riptides that run off the shore. "You can be in surf one second, able to stand, and then a riptide will come along and pull you out over your head the next," Scott said. "It doesn't matter how nice it is outside," Scott said, noting the sunny weather attracted many people to the beach Saturday. "The water is just as treacherous as on a cold, cloudy day."

See you on the Beach! (but please don't play in the surf unless you're properly prepared)

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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Ocean Shores Featured in Coast Living

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:57:02 GMT

"You'll never see a deal like this again"

We have wonderful and surprising news, in the upcoming April edition of Coastal Living Magazine, OCEAN SHORES placed in the top 16 cities NATIONWIDE in the special section; "So you want to live on the coast".

Please take a moment to read over the attachments, as the entire story is included.

For those of you who are not familiar with this magazine, Coastal Living has a subscription base of over 650,000 readers and most importantly, an audience of over 3,269,000.

http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/living/communities/article/0,14587,1719934.html

So You Want to Live on the Coast

Where can you buy a home for $150,000? $1 million-plus? We have 16 appealing and surprising options to consider.











Ocean Shores, WA (Photo: Sunny Walter)

Text by Bill and Kay Scheller

Living on the coast doesn't have to be just a dream. Though only a few of us can afford a mansion on Maui, simpler homes on other coasts may well be within financial reach.

This year, our guide to living on the coast lists a few of the options available at several price points. We've found communities where you can buy a home for less than $325,000, and others for upwards of $1.3 million. Each has easy access to open water and abundant opportunities to live the coastal lifestyle. Come join us for a fantasy home-buying tour through some of the finest coastal towns in North America.

Less than $325,00

Ocean Shores, Washington
Population: 3,270
Median home cost: $190,000

You'll never see a deal like this again: In 1960, developers bought a scenic finger of land on the central Washington coast and started selling lots for $595. In just a few years, the town of Ocean Shores had 23 miles of canals (many homes have frontage on these waterways), a championship golf course, and a part-time population of Hollywood types who came for the seclusion afforded by this 6,000-acre retreat, called Washington's "richest little city."

A 1980s recession brought that boom to a halt, though, and it took a decade for builders to get back on track. Prices have since stayed reasonable, and what was once the "richest" is now one of the Northwest's most affordable little cities, with more than 200 homes priced below $400,000 at the end of 2007.

New Ocean Shores residents enjoy the same seacoast splendor that lured those adventurous souls with $595 to burn a half-century ago. Miles of sandy beaches encourage horseback riding, clamming, and prospecting for agates, as well as spotting more than 200 species of birds-including brown pelicans and peregrine falcons drawn to nearby Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. Ocean City State Park offers a chance to observe seals and their pups. Head north on Route 101 for a scenic loop around the mountains and rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula.

On the outskirts lies lively Ocean Shores, tucked behind a gateway of stone pillars that has become a community trademark. The town may no longer be a Hollywood hangout, but it's saved from somnolence by the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino and a downtown cluster of small hotels, shops, and restaurants catering to summer and autumn tourists.

cityofoceanshores.com newsletter 02.2008

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:23:06 GMT

Springtime at the Beach!

Spring is back! The beaches have been full of people over the past few weekends. Lots of folks have been down checking out the new Damon Point State Park looking at all the changes caused by the storm last December. Activity is high in Ocean Shores. It hasn't felt much like a sleepy little beach town in recent weeks.

Real Estate Update

Real Estate activity has finally heated up after a slow winter. Buyers started showing up heavily in the middle of February and it's been pretty steady ever since. Our office website www.oceanshoresNOW.com and my www.cityofoceanshores.com website are both getting the kind of online traffic that compares to our usual summer traffic. Both websites have recently been updated and changed to make them more user friendly as well. Take a look! Meanwhile, I'll have a report on 1st quarter sales numbers next month in the March Newsletter. Now is a good time to buy while prices are still down. Feel free to look at some of the great deals & great properties right now by clicking one of the links below:

Super House Deals!

Great Deals for Vacant Properties!

Investments!

Upcoming Events

* Razor Clam Festival - March 14-15

Put on by the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce. 360.289.2451

On Friday night, they're putting on their first Restaurant Crawl. The evening begins with Appetizers at Waves, followed by your choice of Razor Clam Chowder or a crisp green salad at Alec's by the Sea. Participants will then head over to the Shilo for their entree (a choice of Razor Clams-of course, or Citrus Chicken). Dessert will be enjoyed at Galway Bay-you will have a choice of 3 different selections, including their famous Bread Pudding. The cost is just $30 for adults and $18 for children under 12. You do need a reservation, so if you'd like to attend, be sure to call the chamber before Friday morning, March 14th. Seating times begin between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
The following events take place on Saturday at the Convention Center:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Artisan Marketplace
Featuring more than 30 Northwest artists and crafters with unique and indigenous works.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Kids Fun Zone
Arts and crafts for the whole family to enjoy, with a little help from the Ocean Shores Pirates!
10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. ~ People's Choice Voting for Favorite Chowder
Sample the chowder then vote for your favorite and see how your choice stacks up with the judges.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Food Vendors Open
The professional chowder cook-off contestants and other participating vendors will be selling their delicious entrees and samples for all to try.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Beer & Wine Bar Open
Sponsored by The Shilo Inn. For adults 21+.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~
Live Music with Marcia Kester. Marcia's blend of acoustic and electric sounds will have you tapping your toes and singing along all afternoon. She's a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll, a dash of ballads, oldies and a little pop!
12:00 p.m. ~ Amateur Chowder Cook-Off Contest Begins
Be sure to watch the amateur chefs battle it out to be the clam chowder king.
1:00 p.m. ~ Decorated Clam Shovel and Gun Art Auction
Those adorned clam shovels and guns will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce.
2:30 p.m. ~ Professional Chowder Cook-Off Contest Begins
Our celebrity judges will be making the rounds and sampling clam chowder from participating restaurants from Grays Harbor County. The judges will decide who truly is the 2008 Chowder Cook-Off Champion-and gets the boasting rights of having the Best Chowder on the Washington Coast!
6:00 p.m. ~ End of the Second Annual Razor Clam Festival & Chowder Cook-Off

* North Coast Folk Festival - April 18-19

News

US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge is Closed

* Ocean Shores Election Update

After the recent March election, the results are in for who will be your next American Idol. Oops. Wrong show. Ocean Shores recently held a primary election and here's what's going on. Dean Bunkers will be running against Fred Winge in the May 20th Mayor election, while Peter Jordan, who served two terms on the City Council and one term as mayor is out. Meanwhile, Garland French will be running against Monte Nicholson for City Council Position A and Richard Skewis will run against John Lynn for City Council Position B.

* Strange Canisters washing up on the Beaches

Mysterious silver-colored canisters found along the Washington coast once contained rat poison and should not be handled, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Ecology says. Hundreds of the one-liter canisters, apparently made in China, have been found as far south as Ocean Shores to as far north as Ozette since last summer, she said. They came to the attention of the state Ecology Department only last weekend when some were displayed at the Beachcomber's Fun Fair at Ocean Shores, officials said. "Tests confirmed a small amount of phosphine gas, which is a product of aluminum phosphide used to kill rodents and other pests aboard cargo ships. One person in Ocean Shores reported that he's seen as many as 100 since last summer. Anyone who spots one of these silver, one-liter containers should note its location and phone Ecology's environmental hot line in Olympia: 360-407-6300.

* Doppler coming to the Coast?

The National Weather Service has several Doppler radar sites in the state, but the current locations can't reach through the Olympic Mountains, leaving what atmospheric scientists call a "black hole" from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Oregon coast which includes Ocean Shores, Westport and the entire North Coast. Scientists, fishermen and community activists have proposed building a new radar station in Westport and are hoping a Northwest congressional delegation has the political muscle to get the funding. Added radar would mean forecasts for communities like Ocean Shores and would go from forecasts showing what's happening currently to forecasts that could look several hours into the future. Knowing what happens in the future could help first responders prepare more for big storms, like the one in December that caught many folks off guard. A new coastal radar in the Westport area could cost as much as $8.5 million.

* New Bridge in Copalis Beach

A new bridge over Connor Creek now provides easy beach access for visitors and emergency vehicles in Copalis Beach. The bridge is located at the end of Heath Road, off Highway 109. Over the past several years, Connor Creek has shifted north about four miles, cutting off easy vehicle access to the beach at Heath Road and Benner Gap. State Parks worked with local officials and residents to acquire a 30-foot-wide right of way to construct the bridge at Heath Road.

* The New & Improved www.cityofoceanshores.com

The website has completely been redesigned to serve property buyers, sellers, visitors, vacationers and anyone interested in Ocean Shores or the North Beach area. I've added a lot of sections to the site. Please check it out and feel free to share any comments with me if you want. Thank you.

See you on the Beach!

Jeff Daniel
Designated Broker

Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free)
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

OPERATION PAINTBALL: http://www.operationpaintballwa.com

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Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter 12.2007

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:05:06 GMT

Wintertime at the Beach
Another winter, another storm. No big deal. To summarize on the last storm we had a couple of weeks ago on December 2nd - Ocean Shores held up just fine. We had some wind, some rain and a couple of poorly built houses got wet. The only damage that we really had was at the South end of town at Damon Point and the Jetty area. Two houses that I saw both had water damage and both of those houses had their foundations built below street level. Not a good idea. Other than that, a couple trees blew down and that's about it.

The bad part is that we lost our power for five days. We lost it because of a downed BPA transmission line in Aberdeen that was the cause of 90 percent of the power outages in Grays Harbor County. Other than not having power, no big deal. Oh, I didn't get to take a shower for five days and that really stunk. Or was it me who stunk?

During this past storm, I received numerous emails from folks who were concerned about the status of their properties here in Ocean Shores and they couldn't seem to get a hold of any one here but me. My internet was up and I was able to update my websites and blogs with storm updates and pictures. I was also able to check out their properties and let them know that their houses were fine. For the future, please feel free to contact me to check on your properties as well. It was no problem and I sure hoped it provided some peace of mind for people.

On another note, 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 in Ocean Shores.

Ocean Shores Storm Training 101
1. If you're going to have a residence in Ocean Shores, you need a gas powered generator.
2. Qwest is my telephone and internet provider. Qwest didn't lose service at all this past storm or the one before that in October. 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.
3. If you have a generator, make sure you have full gas cans at home. I had 10 gallons in my garage beforehand and by the third day of the storm, I was driving around town with empty cans and a siphon hose in the back of my Avalanche. Make sure you have plenty of gas in storage at your house. The gas stations can't pump gas without power and there were times during the power outage where a lack of gas was a serious crisis.
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 (and it was!).
5. If you're going to own a store or a business in Ocean Shores and are set up to run it off of a generator when we do lose power, please make sure the system is air tight and won't leak carbon monoxide fumes inside your place of business and into the lungs of your employees and customers. Okedoke?

Real Estate Update
Inventory is down right now and that's a good thing for sellers. Here are some comparisons for July 2007 versus December 2007:
* In July, there were 747 Vacant Lots on the market ranging from $19,900 to $1,300,000. Currently there's 617 Vacant Lots on the market ranging from $19,500 to $12,500,000.
* In July, there were 287 Homes on the market ranging from $19,900 to $1,300,000. Currently there's 221 Homes on the market ranging from $59,900 to $1,500,000.
* In July, there were 71 Condos on the market ranging from $8,000 (timeshare) to $499,000. Currently there's 74 Condos on the market ranging from $6,995 (timeshare) to $650,000.

* Dreamscape Condos Almost Sold Out!
Located at the Southern tip of Ocean Shores, these condos 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 your own private deck. Watch ships, whales, and fishing boats from the comforts of your own private getaway. All units have fantastic views! Seconds from pristine beaches and beach combing. The perfect beach getaway and your home away from home. Prices range from $259,000 to $399,000. Don't wait until they're all sold out! More than half have already been sold. These are the hottest selling condos at the Beach. Dreamscape Condos are being offered at these low prices from the builder direct. More info HERE or click on a picture below.

Upcoming Events
* 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
The 6th Annual Ocean Shores Antique & Collectible Show will be held February 9th and 10th, 2008 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Huge event! Over eighty vendors offer a wide variety of antiques including dolls, glass, furniture, American Art pottery, and much, much more. For a small donation to local charities and nonprofits, you can have your treasures evaluated. New this year will be a certified quilt appraiser. Hourly Door Prizes include a Weekend Get-Away Package for two, provided by the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino.
* Beachcombers Fun Fair - March 1-2
21st Annual event features exhibits, seminars, information booths, vendors, a kids science fair Saturday morning plus beach walks on Sunday morning.

News
* Third Razor Clam Dig of the Season is this Weekend.
Just in time for Christmas, state Fish and Wildlife officials have announced a razor clam dig on evening tides at four Washington ocean beaches, starting Dec. 21. The digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches on Dec. 21 and 22.
* City Manager Fired
Citing a voter-approved change in government that would eliminate his position, the Ocean Shores City Council terminated City Manager Rich McEachin recently. He'll be given a year's salary in a lump sum - $99,600 - and will be covered by medical and dental insurance for a year. The termination is effective Jan. 10.
* Recent City Council Candidate puts House on the Market.
City councilmember Terry Veitz recently ran for reelection. After losing the election, the councilmember put the house on the market. If you can't beat 'em, move away?
* The Wave of the Future
Great article recently in Aberdeen's Daily World focusing on the proposed wind and wave energy installations off of the coast of Ocean Shores and Westport. The Seattle-based tidal power research company has applied for federal permits to build one of the world's largest wind and wave energy farms just a few miles off of our coast. Click HERE to read the entire story.

All the Best to You and Yours This Holiday Season!

Jeff Daniel
Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 985691.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free)PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
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