So much going on this weekend -

Children’s Loyalty Day Parade in Ilwaco on Saturday.

Saturday Market at the Port of Ilwaco starts May 1.

Clatsop Weavers and Spinners Guild offer a free demo at the Port of Ilwaco.  You can even try weaving or spinning!

Clamming is happening right now!

Loyalty Day Parade in Long Beach May 2.

Blessing of the Fleet in Ilwaco on Saturday, May 1

The Long Beach Peninsula is just a wonderful place to visit.  For more information on events, visit Funbeach - it’s the greatest!

Looking for real estate while you’re having fun?  Our office is open 7 days a week.  If we’re out showing, call me at 360-244-2660.

Here are a few properties to tempt you,  just in time for fun at the beach:

Remember, Discovery Coast Real Estate can help with all your real estate needs.  We can show and sell any property listed for sale, help with for sale by owner homes, and sell your property for you.  We have homes and land on the beach, bay and all points in between!

Happy May Day! is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

Just $129,900!

A quick run-down on what’s happening on the Long Beach Peninsula.  As the flowers bloom, the festivities do too!

April 24, 2010 – 18th Annual Black Lake Fishing Derby in Ilwaco.  7am-noon.  Ages 0-14.  Free registration!  Contact Normandie Hand.

Do you know about the Timberland Regional Library Foundation fundraiser?  It sounds like lots of fun.  It’s called Passport…to Timberland.  You can visit 27 unique libraries and the communities they’re in absolutely free from June 15-September 10, 2010.  You might even win a prize!

Business owners and the general public are invited to a Shred-A-Thon hosted by Arthur Strand Insurance Saturday, April 24 from 10-2.  You can shred your unwanted documents free of charge.  Behind Arthur Strand Insurance/Chinook Observer Building, 205 Bolstad Ave E, Long Beach.  For more info contact Arthur Strand Insurance. 642-2345.

RECREATIONAL RAZOR CLAM OPENER: The mid-April 2010 recreational razor clam opener will proceed as planned. The marine toxin tests have been completed and the Washington Department of Health has found razor clams are safe for human consumption. The following are the dates and locations of this razor clam harvest opportunity:

• Friday, April 16, (8:32 A.M., -0.7) Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• Saturday, April 17, (9:12 A.M., -0.7) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Kalaloch only
• Sunday, April 18, (9:56 A.M., -0.6) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Kalaloch only

Saturday Market at the Port of Ilwaco starts May 1!  Lots of fun for everyone.  The Clatsop Weavers and Spinners Guild will be holding a weaving/spinning demo.  Drop by and see us. Be sure to look for us on Facebook too.

Be a part of the exciting future and rich history of Ilwaco.  Look for them on Facebook (Discover Ilwaco).  Become a fan, suggest to your friends.

And don’t forget the 60th Annual Loyalty Day Celebration in Long Beach and Ilwaco.  Visit Funbeach for more info.

The Peninsula Players are hosting a workshop focused on fund raising for the community theater.  Although it is focusing on our situation.  I am sure there will be valued information for any non-profit.  All Peninsula Players are invited to attend free.  Other members of non-profits are invited to attend by paying the membership fee of $10.

The workshop is scheduled for 1 pm on Saturday April 18th at the 2nd Story Playhouse in Ilwaco.  The workshop will be led by Gay Campbell, a well known fund raising consultant.  Please RSVP to Rita Smith by email or phone 665-0028

And last, but not least, for this post – Keepers are needed for the North Head Lighthouse.  On May 16, 1898 the North Head Lighthouse was put into service.  Time has not been kind to this statuesque landmark and life saver.  For more information on how you can help, email Keepers of the North Head Lighthouse.  “Steadfast, serene, immovable, the same, Year after year, through all the silent night Burns on forevermore that quenchless flame, Shines on that inextinguishable light!”  From “The Lighthouse” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Hope to see lots of you at these festivities or in real estate mode!  Remember, there’s still time to qualify for the home buyer stimulus bonus!  Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Hot Property and Fun at the Beach! is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

Remember, your credit score is priceless, so protect it!

Did you know there’s still time to qualify for the home buyer’s tax credit for 2010?  If you’ve been dragging your feet about buying a home because you didn’t think you’d make the cut-off, call me now and let’s get going!

Big Clamming Weekend coming up, along with the 6th Annual Bluegrass Festival.  Ongoing during Spring Breaks is the Spring Fling at the Kite Museum.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Shelburne Inn, Seaview, and chat with the Clatsop Weavers & Spinners Guild who demonstrate spinning Thursday evenings at 5:00 p.m.  Just to make it more special, this Thursday, March 25, from 5-7 pm, it’s the Twitter WAMerlot Wine Tasting!

And there’s one good reason to visit the beach (other than looking for real estate!) so check it out at FUNBEACH!

That’s all for now.  Enjoy the sunshine if you have it (we do!) and call me soon to take advantage of the tax credit, great prices, low interest rates and plenty to chose from.

Credit Consequences is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

So much to do, it's exhausting!

Just a few items of interest if you’re wondering what there is to do in the winter and early spring.

The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum will be FREE for the month of March.  Free is a very good price!

Beach property is available in all sizes and shapes!  Whether you want a water view home or lot, cabin in the woods, condo on the beach, or townhouse overlooking the whole peninsula, start looking now and be settled in for summer!  Be sure and check our EXCLUSIVE LISTINGS, plus search the entire area through our interactive map on our home page, Discovery Coast Real Estate.

Tentative Clam Dates:  February 27-28.  Stay tuned!

Whale Watching: The northward migrations begin mid-March. The immature whales, adult males and females without calves are the first to head north, passing the Peninsula in March and April.(Courtesy of Funbeach)

Peninsula Quilt Guild Show, March 20-21 at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in Ilwaco.  Demos, raffle & refreshments!  Sponsored by Peninsula Quilt Guild, annalena.com and and the museum.

Spring Fling at the Kite Museum!  Each year, during spring breaks, the Museum focuses on family events. This year, the emphasis is on the two-line kite.  Each Saturday, there will be someone on the beach, teaching two-line kite flying.

6th Annual Bluegrass Festival, March 27, 28 & 29!  You’ve got to hear this!

Just a quick note to let you know about our newest agent, Warren Ani!  Warren is such an asset to Discovery Coast Real Estate!  If you have a minute, please say hi to him: warren@discoverycoastrealestate.com. He’s here to assist you in buying or selling.  Remember, we’re looking out for you!

Peninsula Happenings! is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

Marine toxin clouds razor clam dig,

prevents opening at Long Beach

OLYMPIA – Rising marine toxin levels have prompted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to cancel a razor clam dig scheduled at Long Beach and delay final decisions about digs at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches until next week.

Olympic National Park will also wait until next week to decide on a dig at Kalaloch Beach, pending the results of further biotoxin testing.

Previous plans for a dig starting late next week were put on hold after routine testing found elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in clams collected on coastal beaches, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

PSP is a marine toxin produced by a certain type of algae that can cause paralysis and even death if consumed in sufficient quantities.

Ayres said toxin levels in clams dug this week at Long Beach violate health standards established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ruling out an opening at that beach.  Early next week, WDFW will conduct additional tests on clams collected at the other beaches, where PSP levels also appear to be on the rise.

“It’s always disappointing to cancel a razor clam dig, and we hate to make people wait for answers on the other beaches,” Ayres said.  “But public safety comes first, which is why we test razor clams before every public dig.”

Ayres said final decisions on a revised razor-clam opening will be announced by Thursday, Jan. 28.  Unless it is canceled, the dig at Twin Harbors will be delayed, since it was originally scheduled to open Jan. 27, Ayres said.

Updates on the razor clam dig scheduled for next week will be posted on WDFW’s website athttp://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/season.htm.

Frank Cox, marine biotoxin coordinator for the Washington Department of Health, said he suspects PSP is moving northward from the Oregon coast, where beaches have been closed to razor clam digging since December.

“There are a lot of uncertainties about how this will affect Washington beaches, which is why we recommend erring on the side of caution,” he said.

Cox noted that the PSP toxin cannot be removed by cooking or freezing.  Although no human fatalities from PSP have been reported in Washington since 1942, people still get sick every few years – usually after eating toxic shellfish collected from closed beaches, Cox said.

No coastal beaches have been closed to razor-clam digging because of elevated PSP levels since 1993, Ayres said.  A different marine toxin, domoic acid, prompted a season-long closure in 2002-03.

Razor Clam Dig is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

OLYMPIA – Clam diggers got the go-ahead to proceed with the second razor-clam dig of the fall season starting Wednesday, Nov. 4, on evening tides at two ocean beaches.  Long Beach will open on Nov. 4, 6 and 7 only. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the digs after a series of marine toxin tests confirmed the clams were safe to eat. Digging at the beaches will be restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.

Additional digging opportunities are planned at five ocean beaches in mid-November. Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said the department was able to offer the early November digs at Long Beach and Twin Harbors due to the abundant razor clam populations on those beaches. “With more clams available for harvest south of Grays Harbor, we can offer these digging opportunities in addition to the ones that will include all beaches coming up later this month,” Ayres said.

The best time to start digging is an hour or two before low tide, said Ayres, who also recommends that clam diggers take lights or lanterns and check weather and surf conditions before heading out. 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 2009 annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination fishing license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various options are available on the WDFW website at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Opening dates and evening low tides FOR LONG BEACH are:  Wednesday, Nov. 4 (7:33 p.m. -1.3 ft.), Friday, Nov. 6 (9:07 p.m. -0.9 ft.) Saturday, Nov. 7 (9:59 p.m. -0.5 ft.)

In addition, WDFW has tentatively scheduled three other digs through Jan. 3. Dates scheduled in mid-November are:  Saturday, Nov. 14 (4:34 p.m. -0.3 ft.) , Sunday, Nov. 15 (5:21 p.m. -0.7 ft.), Monday, Nov. 16 (6:05 p.m. -0.9 ft.)

Dates scheduled Dec. 2 through Jan. 3 are:

Wednesday, Dec. 2 (6:32 p.m. -1.2 ft.) ,  Friday, Dec. 4 (8:04 p.m. -1.3 ft.) Saturday, Dec. 5 (8:51 p.m. -0.9 ft.) Thursday, Dec. 31 (6:16 p.m. -1.1 ft.), Friday, Jan. 1 (7:01 p.m. -1.8 ft.) ,Saturday, Jan. 2 (7:45 p.m. -1.6 ft.),  Sunday, Jan. 3 (8:29 p.m. -1.2 ft.)

Thanks to Funbeach for this update.  I will have 2010 Tide Books in the office starting next week!  Drop by and pick up a couple.

Have you checked out the home page of Discovery Coast Real Estate?  How do you like the new look?

Clam Dates Announced! is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

Wondering how the  market is at the beach?  Here’s a quick summary:

There were  19 Residential MLS Sales in June ranging from $42,000 for a bank owned fixer of 516 sf to a Discovery Heights home (3852 sf) which sold for $420,000.  Average time on the market was 266 days.  The $42,000 home was on the market for just 12 days while another home (sales price of $150,000) was on the market a total of 869 days!

There were 8 county recorded sales as of this report and they ranged in price from $48,500 to $185,000.

MLS vacant land sales ranged from $23,500 to $215,000.  Just 6 total sales with an average time on the market of 191 days.  3 sales were in Surfside, one on Sea Crest Ave N, one on 225^th and an oceanfront on 143^rd.

County recorded sales were only 4: $15,000, $30,000, $45,000, and $71,000.

There was one Multi-Family sale at 209 N Ocean Beach Boulevard for $350,000 and one Commercial property at 600 Ocean Beach Blvd S for $160,000.

There are currently 321 active residential listings with 40 of them pending sale.

There are 296 vacant land listings, but only 6 are pending.

Condos number 61, 2 pending;  3 multi-family (no pendings),  22 commercial with one pending, and 3 business opportunities.

June Sales Report is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

We managed to get another grandson graduated.  Chris Rogers graduated from Stevenson High School with High Honors on June 6!  Way to go, Chris.  Chris has been accepted to Linfield College and received a number of scholarships.

Charlie’s back in the office today just 3 days after shoulder surgery!  Can’t keep a good  man down.

ROAD WORK UPDATE:

BIG PRICE REDUCTION! Now just $149,000 for this 3 bedroom, 1-3/4 bath home walking distance to everything in town.  Master bedroom has slider out to large back deck.  Full fenced.  Oversized, detached garage. 510 Washington Ave N., Long Beach

No better price on a gorgeous home with two views for the price of one!  Ocean view to the west, Willapa Hills to the east.  3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, custom built home has too many amenities to put in this small space, but just a few are Hickory floors & cabinets, tumbled marble floors, slab granite countertops with incredible inlays…. Now available at just $549,000.  35510 J Pl., Surfside

	NEW! Great Seaview location. Cute little beach cabin on oversized lot. Plenty of room for garage. Woodstove to keep you cozy. Owner will consider lease-purchase or carry a 2nd. 3014 K Pl., Seaview
	NEW! Great view lot in desirable Surfside estates. Build on upper half and the lower half protects your view. Build to 16′ on J Pl, 20′ on lower I Pl. Septic in, water and power in street. Buy now while prices are down! Bring your imagination and build your dream! $89,900 – 34308 I Pl., Surfside

NEW LISTINGS is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

Well, the “season” really starts this weekend!  So many fun things to do, see, enjoy at the beach.

Here’s a start:

Ilwaco, WA-Saturday Market at the Port of Ilwaco kicks off the 2009 season one week early on April 25 to celebrate the Tall Ships in Port, the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain.

Market vendors will highlight modern day equivalents of the items traded between the Chinook Tribe and American and European fur traders during the late 1700s and 1800s-beads, blue cloth and smoked salmon. Crow Creek Designs specializes in exquisite hand turned wooden beads and pendant jewelry. Multi-colored glass beads are featured in the attractive jewelry designs of Treasures by Val’s. Fashionable blue cloth T-shirts and denim shirts imprinted or embroidered with sea inspired designs are created by Blue Crab Graphics and Coastal Creations. Smoked salmon is the key ingredient to the savory chowder offered by Dan and Tina Delay of Smoked Salmon Chowder. For the rakish at heart, treasure chests and wooden pirates swords can be discovered at Grandma’s & Grandpa’s Crafts.

Shop for handmade arts, crafts and plants. Picnic on delicious seafood, American and ethnic fare, kettle corn, hot donuts and more. Stroll along the marina and watch the people, boats and dogs parade by. Saturday Market at the Port is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. between April 25 and September 26, 2009. For Saturday highlights and more information, see www.portofilwaco.org/saturdaymarket.html or call (360) 783-1143.

CLAMMING THIS WEEKEND!  MORE INFO HERE

Don’t forget – next weekend is the 59th Loyalty Day Celebration.  You can check the SCHEDULE here.

ON TO REAL ESTATE MATTERS:

USDA Rural Home Loan Program released their increased income limits!  This is great, great news opening up this amazing program to more potential buyers. 100% Financing – Zero down payment!  No Mortgage Insurance!  No Cash reserves required.  Borrowers DO NOT have to first time buyers (but if they are, remember that first time homebuyer credit!). Seller concession allowed up to 6%. No Loan LimitsMinimum. Credit Score 620 (exceptions eligible).

Be sure and check our exclusive listings and have fun playing with the interactive map!

So Much To Do! is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com

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.

Things are looking up! is a post from: discoverycoastrealestate.com