It’s been busy so far and that’s why there hasn’t been a post other than our new listings in awhile. There’s just so much going on right now! People are starting to realize that prices may not drop much more and interest rates are going to start creeping up. Not only is real estate a good investment for your money, owning property at the beach is good for the soul! Even in this wintry weather, where we’re waiting for snow, there’s beauty and awe-inspiring scenery everywhere we look. Seeing the eagles soar overhead still gives me a thrill.
Christmas was a happy family affair for us. I hope that however you celebrated the holidays, you had half as much fun as we did!
You may recall that I posted information on the beautiful boat, The Mariner. Her owner is looking to trade for property at the beach. Well, I have another one. This is the Altair and she’s a beauty too. Both these boat owners would love to be in Ilwaco. Let me know if you have ideas for trades (or even if you just want to buy their boat!)
How’s the market, you ask? My report this month covers December 11, 2010 through January 7, 2011. While we were very busy writing offers and listing properties, there weren’t a lot of sales that closed during this period. The holidays sometimes distract people! South Pacific County saw only 9 listed transactions close during this period. There were six residential sales (which includes manufactured homes and condos). Sale prices ranged from $35,000 to $285,000. There were three vacant land sales: $40,000, $40,000 (Thanks Tom!) and $50,000. If you’d like more details on these sales, feel free to ask. I have a feeling my next report will be much happier!
HAPPENINGS:
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced plans for another razor-clam dig this month and one in February. Provided that upcoming tests are favorable, clam diggers will get their next chance to hit the beach Jan. 20-22 here at Long Beach, which extends from the Columbia River to Leadbetter Point. Digging is restricted to the hours between noon and midnight. Tentative digging days and tides for the two proposed openings are:
- Jan. 20, Thursday – 6:59 p.m. (-1.3 ft.)
- Jan. 21, Friday – 7:38 p.m. (-1.1 ft.)
- Jan. 22, Saturday – 8:19 p.m. (-0.6 ft.)
- Feb. 18, Friday – 6:33 p.m. (-0.9 ft.)
- Feb. 19, Saturday – 7:13 p.m. (-0.5 ft.)
Read the full press release from WDFW and see our page on Razor Clam digging.
And today’s real estate vocabulary words:
ALTA (American Land Title Association) - The trade association of the title insurance industry, which has adopted certain insurance policy forms to standardize coverage on a national basis.
Amortization - Payment to reduce the principal of a debt in regular, periodic installments.
Appraisal - A report from an independent third party detailing the estimated value of real estate.
Happy New Year from Discovery Coast Real Estate! We’re toasting your 2011 beach property so get in to see us so we can make it happen.
And a big WELCOME to our newest broker/agent, Georgia Werner. Send her a welcome message – I know she’ll appreciate it. She’ll be in next year’s picture for sure!
