Spring is always a time of renewal and maybe the real estate market is going to see some of that energy! We’ve seen an increase in potential buyers looking at properties, asking for more info and just generally acting more enthused about purchasing. I hope many of them will be attending the Home Buyer Fair on March 31. You don’t need to be a first time buyer to attend. You don’t even need to be contemplating buying or selling right now. Just come for the fun of it (and the cookies).
According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales were up in February which is good news for everyone, even though over 40% of those sales were “distressed sales”. First time buyers accounted for a good bit of the action after the $8,000 tax credit was announced, purchasing about 50% of the homes sold.
And for some local good news, Butch Smith, from the Ilwaco Charter Association, reports the Salmon season opens on June 28th this year and will run for 7 days a week! It is predicted to be a great season. Buoy 10 is also supposed to be excellent, with over 1.1 million fish coming back this year. Halibut season will open on May 1 (Friday) this year, but will only be 3 days/week: Thursday, Friday & Saturday until the quota is reached. Sturgeon season will open on May 9 and continue through June 28, with a bonus of July 2,3, and 4.
Don’t forget clamming is tentatively scheduled for this weekend along with the annual Bluegrass Festival.
