Posts Tagged ‘Real Estate’

December Sales Report

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, Real Estate | Posted by Cheri Diehl

Wow, what a difference!  December 2011 sales were considerably better than December 2010.  In 2010 there were just 10 listed residential sales with a median price of $99,500.  December 2011 showed 22 listed sales with a median price of $130,000.  Days on the market were a bit longer and the difference between list price and sales price was bigger, but there were sales.

You can view the brief report here: 

According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service “Closed sales also outgained year-ago totals. December’s completed transactions were up 7 percent from twelve months ago, rising from 4,430 closings to 4,741. Six counties registered double-digit gains (Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, and Snohomish).”

Does that mean we’re going to see prices go up, inventory go down, and mortgage rates start to climb?  Maybe.  It’s probably the number one question every Realtor hears, every day.  If I only had a crystal ball….

Enjoy the crisp, winter weather if you live here at the beach.  The sunrises have been incredible!

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Buying a House this Year?

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, Our Listings, Real Estate | Posted by Cheri Diehl

Is 2012 the year you’re finally going to take the ownership plunge?  Hopefully, you’ve been doing all the right things to prepare.

Here’s an interesting article on how being a good renter means more than you think.  A GOOD RENTAL HISTORY CAN HELP BUYERS. Thanks to Rockwell Institute * for this link.

Mortgage Rates
30 Year Fixed: 3.91%
15 Year Fixed: 3.23%
1 Year Adj: 2.80%
(U.S. Weekly Averages)

Interest rates are still low and inventory is still high.  Sales are improving in South Pacific County though, so don’t be left looking for the right house when all the good ones are taken!  Here’s an example of what’s currently on the market in the $100,000 to $150,000 range.  Some are fixers, some are fixed.  Resi_Client_Summary2801.  This report is limited to single family, stick built homes.  There are condos, manufactured homes, townhomes, etc. with a wide range of prices and amenities.  For more information on any of these listings, just send me an EMAIL.  Or call us at 360-642-3325!

And one more article you should read before starting your search:  Making the Right Choice.

So, what are you waiting for?  Get out there and start looking.

*  If you’re thinking of a career in real estate, I’d love to help and so would Rockwell Institute.  Get more info by clicking on the sign!

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October 2011 Sales Report

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, New Listings, Our Listings, Real Estate | Posted by Cheri Diehl
OCTOBER 2011 SALES REPORT

 

October was a pretty nice month, both weather-wise and sales-wise!  16 single family homes listed with the Northwest Multiple Listing Service sold during the month.  There were also 6 vacant land sales during that period of time.  It was encouraging to me that of the sales, only two of the homes were bank owned.  There are still some great buys here at the beach and interest rates are still incredibly low per Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

According to NWMLS, October was a month for “Tricks and Treats” in home sales.  Pending sales up, sale prices down.  To read the whole report, click NWMLS NR (Oct 2011).

As of this post, there are 336 single family homes/condos in “Active” Status.  If you’re looking for a beach home for either vacations or full time living, the inventory is high, sellers are motivated, interest rates are good, and Discovery Coast Real Estate is here to help!   And sellers, as of today there are 37 homes in pending status – buyers are out there so don’t get discouraged!

Come to the beach and dig some razor clams, stop by the office and pick up the 2012 Tide Tables too!

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News From Fannie Mae

Everything! | Posted by Cheri Diehl

Thinking of purchasing an “REO” (bank owned) property?  Fannie Mae is offering homeowners up to 3.5% of closing costs if they can close by June 30.   Fannie Mae’s program, “Home Path” provides financing with low down payments and no mortgage insurance.  Note that you must be an “owner-occupant” to receive the closing assistance.  Inventory of REO homes on at the beach has dwindled in the past months – could it be we’re on the mend?

Ready to invest?  Here’s a deal you will want to check out.  Sellers own 13 lots with prices at $19,500 and $22,500.  They want to move them now!  All reasonable offers will be considered.  Buy more than one and get an even better deal!  Check out these Surfside lots zoned Multifamily/Commercial.  Build townhomes, condos, or single family residences. There is a potential for partial ocean views from some lots. The golf course is steps away and it’s a short, easy walk to the ocean. 

Listed at $19,500

Listed at $22,500

Clamming Tomorrow!

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig – the second of two openings this month – after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on all four beaches are safe to eat. Two beaches – Long Beach and Twin Harbors – will open for digging April 19 through April 22 until noon each day, plus April 23 until 1 p.m.  Fishery managers agreed to an extra hour of digging Saturday, April 23, because low tide won’t occur until 11:27 a.m. that morning, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

Remember, Discovery Coast Real Estate is here to assist with all your needs, whether buying, selling or looking for a new career.  If you’re an experienced agent wanting to move to the beach and continue your career, please contact Designated Broker, Cheri Diehl.  Thinking of trying your hand at this interesting way of life?  We can get you started on the right path.  All inquiries are confidential.  See what lies ahead!

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New Mapping Service for Pacific County!

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, Real Estate, water front, water view | Posted by Cheri Diehl

Wow, what an improvement in the way things were.

Recently implemented, this was received from Pacific County Assessor, Bruce Walker:

“We have a new more user friendly (that wasn’t difficult to accomplish) online mapping service.

 From this page, click on the “MapSifter Taxlots – 2011” link….

It’s more like Taxsifter…after clicking on a parcel a dialogue balloon will appear and when you click on the parcel number it will take you to Taxsifter.”  He adds: “The initial setup was funded by a grant from the WA State Dept of Revenue annual revaluation grant program so didn’t cost us anything this year.”

Discovery Coast Real Estate loves it!  Try it out and see how cool it is and then thank the Pacific County Assessor’s Office.

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Everyone loves a contest!

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, Real Estate | Posted by Cheri Diehl

Here’s your chance to win something – I won’t tell you what, but it will be worth the time you put into this little contest.

First, go to our site: Discoverycoastrealestate.com.  Find my blog link on the home page.  Not difficult, is it?  But if this was the first time you’d visited the site, what would it take you to click on that link?  Does “Cheri’s Blog” excite you and make you think you’re going to get some great info there?  I didn’t think so.

Well, that’s the contest folks.  Come up with a name for that link and send it to me: Cheri Diehl before April 15.  The winner will be chosen by a tough panel – me.

Are you keeping an eye on the market?  Here’s a report on what sold in March. March Sales  If you have questions about any of these properties, let me know.  If you’re a buyer, interest rates are still holding.  Want more info on what you can buy?  Contact us soon – agents are standing by!  Discovery Coast Real Estate Email. 

Razor-clam dig approved at two beaches April 7-9

 OLYMPIA – State shellfish managers today announced that the first of two razor-clam digs scheduled in April will proceed as planned, after marine toxin tests confirmed the clams are safe to eat.

Two ocean beaches – Long Beach and Twin Harbors – will be open for clam digging on morning low tides April 7-9.  No digging will be allowed after noon.  If you’ve been worried about whether it’s safe to come to the beach and clam, you’ll want to read this Dept of Health Bulletin.

What else is happening at the beach?  For more information on any of these events, plus more fun to come, visit Funbeach!

April 8, 9, 10 Peninsula Players Present: Fantasticks
April 23 Beach Clean Up
April 30 Ilwaco Saturday Market Begins


Here’s a quick tip – would you like to see more of these?  Let me know!



Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Doggie Olympics Fans:  If you would like to join the Doggie Olympic Committee, our first meeting will be held on Thursday, April 14th at 5 PM at the Breakers Meeting Room in Long Beach.  Check the Facebook Page!

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79th Ln, Long Beach

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, New Listings, Our Listings, Real Estate | Posted by Cheri Diehl
10 Acres!

10 Acres!

$75,000

Great Building Site

Potential Plus!

Click to continue reading “79th Ln, Long Beach”

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Welcome to 2011!

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, Porsche the Boxer, Real Estate, water front, water view | Posted by Cheri Diehl

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!

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Buying or Selling? What you need to know.

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, Real Estate | Posted by Cheri Diehl

Yes, times are tough, but there are willing and able buyers out there looking for a home.  If you’re a Seller, how do you attract that perfect buyer?  First and foremost, you need a real estate broker who will give you an honest comparative market analysis (CMA).   It’s unfortunate, but sometimes brokers will attempt to “buy” your listing by inflating the value.  This hurts you in a few different ways:  you get a false hope that you’re going to sell for a price that isn’t realistic in the current market; if you get a lower offer, you might be insulted and refuse to negotiate; your property may sit on the market for a long, long time; you may feel that you have a representative that you can’t trust to tell you the truth.  Also beware of a broker who says they have a buyer for your property if only you will list it with them. 

How do you avoid this situation?  Ask for referrals from your friends and associates.  Ask if they’ve dealt with a broker they felt treated them fairly and honestly, whether they were a buyer or seller.  Referrals are as good as gold and probably the broker is too!  Discovery Coast Real Estate is lucky to be on the receiving end of referrals several times a month and that’s what keeps us going when times are tough.  This is a big thank you to those of you who have referred us to your friends and families!

And now that you’ve selected that lucky representative, how can you make your house “FHA Loan Friendly”?  This handy flyer might help: FHA Flyer.  As always, your real estate broker should be able to help so take advantage of their expertise!

And Buyers, I’m thinking about you too.  You need a broker (agent) that will be looking out for your best interests, showing you all the homes that fit your needs regardless of which agency has the listing.  They will be prepared with all the info you need about the homes you’ll be looking at.  They will know how much you qualify since they will want you to talk to a lender before you start searching for a home.  If you haven’t done this, you’re not only wasting your time, your agent’s time and the sellers’ time but you may be disappointed when you find the house of your dreams and can’t get financing!  This can be devastating to your home buying enthusiasm. 

Ask yourself these questions and then hustle yourself to the lender of choice.  (Your broker may have recommendations based on his/her experiences with different lenders.  Beware of those that seem “too good to be true”.)

Questions:  How much money do you have in savings?  You’re going to need funds for a down payment, closing costs, inspection, etc.  If you think you qualify for down payment assistance, do you have 3.5% of the sales price of a home set aside?  Do you have family that would be willing to make a down payment gift?  There are so many different programs out there!    How’s your credit score?  Now more than ever this will affect your ability to borrow money.  (Just for fun - video about saving)

Once you’ve confirmed that you have what you need and you’ve contacted a lender to be pre-qualified, start working on your wish list!  You know what your budget is (pre-qualification) so figure out how to spend it!  3 bedrooms a must?  Need granite counters?  Garage?  Certain neighborhood or access to public transportation?  While the list will be very helpful, don’t rule out looking at homes that don’t meet all your requirements.  That two bedroom home may have a den; the counters might be ready for an upgrade anyway; the carport might be huge!  Keep an open mind and open eyes.  Pour out your heart to your agent and see what comes up.

Patience is a virtue  (The ability to wait for something without excessive frustration is a valuable character trait).  This is an unusual market for both Sellers and Buyers.  Mortgage interest is extremely low but lender requirements are stringent.  Sellers, the Buyers are out there but inventory is high, giving them a lot to compare your home to.  How does it stack up?  What incentives can you offer to make it stand out from the crowd?

And finally, remember to seek expert advice!  We’re looking out for you at Discovery Coast Real Estate!  Start your search online (84% of buyers do).


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Mortgage Rates are Rising…

Everything!, Long Beach Peninsula, Real Estate | Posted by Cheri Diehl

After about 8 weeks of unbelievable, historically low interest rates, things are starting to change.  30 year and 15 year fixed mortgages were up one-quarter of a percent.  They are still down considerably from a year ago.  So, buyers, if you were waiting for the rates to drop even more, don’t wait any longer!  While I don’t know where it will go from here, I do know that homes are starting to sell.  And as homes begin to sell, prices will begin to firm up and sellers will be a little less likely to lower their expectations.   I have heard many potential buyers say that they don’t believe we’re at the “bottom” yet and they want to wait and get the most bang for their buck.  Prices on property here at the beach (and there are many) are still more affordable than most places along the western coastline.  Don’t be one of the 20/20 hindsight group saying “I should have bought last year….”

And, while you’re here shopping for the perfect beach property, clamming is happening this weekend (evening tides) and Discovery Coast Real Estate has plenty of tide books to hand out.  And maybe you’ll want to check out the Cold Weather Survival forum at the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center in Oregon. 

Don’t feel like fighting the city crowds the weekend after Thanksgiving?  Then come to the beach!  In between looking at homes and/or land for sale, you can enjoy the Peninsula Art Association’s Studio Tour (Art is not fattening), or have some family fun during Holidays at the Beach.  Remember this Saturday  is “Small Business Saturday” – join the movement and shop local!

No matter what, please accept my best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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