ARE BEACH HOME PRICES ON THE VERGE OF RECOVERY?

                  Home Sales Data from the Tillamook County MLS

                    {September  26^th to  September 25^th  Year to Date}

                                # of home sold                  Average price of sold homes

2003-2004............................436                                         $188,830

2004-2005........................... 481                                         $226,027

2005-2006............................443                                         $275,021

2006-2007........................... 335                                         $308,283

2007-2008............................267                                         $270,914

2008-2009............................183                                         $226,481

2009-2010............................232                                         $240,686

2010-2011............................227                                         $217,649

2011-2012............................265                                         $219,151

2012-2013............................315                                         $230,573

--------Based on the data above could the following be true?---------

2013-2014                            xxx                                         $xxx,xxx

2014-2015                            xxx                                         $xxx,xxx

 

Only time will tell what the future holds for home prices on the North Oregon Coast, 

but in the meantime I will continue to be encouraged by the number of homes 

that sold in Tillamook County between 9/12-9/13.  We haven't experienced 

home sale numbers in Tillamook County over the 300 mark since 2006-2007!  

As of today, there are 525 homes for sale in Tillamook County and 60 pending sale -- 

A great improvement over several years past, where there were just as many homes

listed for sale, but only 20 pending at any given time.  We're getting there!  If you are

considering purchasing a home on the coast there is no doubt this would be great timing

with a large inventory and prices still low.  From what I've identified above, which you can

see for yourself, it looks like we may be on the verge of recovery. What do you think?

See you at the beach!

~Wendy

www.iWantABeachHome.com

 

RETURN TO THE BAYOCEAN SPIT

Yesterday was one of those unexpected sunny, calm dry days here in Netarts.  It happens often in the Fall and Winter. The forecast calls for rain (and yesterday even thunderstorms), but to our surprise a beautiful day is delivered!  Dusty and I were in the office until 5pm after a very full day and could have easily kicked back for the night, but decided it would be shameful to waste such a nice evening.  By 5:15 we had our bikes in the back of the truck and were headed for the Bayocean Spit, about a 10 minute drive from Netarts.  You could see rain in the distance driving along Tillamook Bay over Garibaldi and some high rising cumulus clouds over the coast range, but so far no rain overhead!  We were just one of two cars in the Bayocean parking lot, which means we would practically have the place to ourselves.  One of many bonuses of Summer coming to an end!

Quickly we were on our way, with the intent of peddling to the South Jetty and mouth of Tillamook Bay (about 7.5 miles round trip).  As we headed up one of the first inclines not even a mile into our ride the right pedal of my bike suddenly snapped off underfoot.  I am under every impression this could have turned out much worse!  Fortunately we weren't too far from the truck and the only casualty besides the broken pedal was a scrape on the inside of my ankle.  Our attempts to repair the pedal were unsuccessful, so we backtracked just a little bit and ditched the bikes for a walk out one of the sandy trails to the beach.  

I stripped down to a t-shirt heading out the trail, realizing it was actually quite warm out for this time of night!  The beach revealed its glorious self as we came up over the dune.  The tide was heading out from eight feet at 2pm, which meant there was plenty of beach available for walking.  And, still no rain!

 As we walked toward the water Dusty spotted a crab pot in distance.  It appeared to have just washed up and be in decent shape.  Sure enough, as we got closer we knew it was worth taking a closer look.

Walking past the buoys and along the rope it was obvious this pot hadn't been in the water long. To our surprise once we reached the pot were live crab inside!  

Well, some of them were alive.  At closer inspection there were a couple half eaten in there -- likely the victim of cannibalism!  The crab that were alive (though moving slowly) were good sized.  The smaller crab stuck in the pot I'm pretty sure became the meal of the big guys/gals!  We decided to do our good deed for the day and release them all back to the sea.  

The tide eventually carried all of them away.  The last one was pretty sluggish, but still had a little life left in him.  Beautiful night for a rescue, right?

Once the crab were released we gathered up the rope and carried the pot back to where we'd left the bikes.  Dusty found a way to balance the pot on the handlebars of his bike and we made our way to the truck with ease.  Just as we reached the parking lot it started to rain.  I mean really rain!  We quickly loaded the bikes and our beach treasure feeling pretty fortunate to be back in the truck!  It rained all the way back to Netarts and into the night.  

While we weren't able to complete our original idea of fun for the evening, I'd say it turned out pretty good all in all.  I have some bike repair to do, but there were definitely multiple silver linings to the trip: I wasn't injured, we were only a mile from the truck when the pedal broke, we had a nice walk out to the beach because of it, enjoyed a spectacular display of cloud reflections over the beach and ocean, saved some crab from certain death, acquired a usable crab pot and made it back to the truck just as the rain arrived.  I can't wait to return -- roundtrip, or not!

p.s.  It turns out the forecast for today was correct.  The wind and rain are upon us!

See you at the beach!

~Wendy

www.iWantABeachHome.com  

JACOBSEN SALT CO. PUTTING NETARTS BAY ON THE MAP

Here's something you may not know that I think is pretty cool and interesting! Right here in our own backyard the cold and pristine waters of Netarts Bay are being turned into salt that is being described by those with discriminating palates as having "beautiful taste, texture and appearance."  The proprietor of this new salt operation, Ben Jacobsen of Jacobsen Salt Co. has the mission of creating the best finishing salt America has to offer. And, from what I can gather he believes Netarts Bay has water capable of doing just that.  According to their website 94 restaurants (+/-) across the United States are currently using his salts in their creations, which may be a good indicator that he is in fact correct!

 This blog post started after a guy walked into Rob Trost Real Estate in Netarts yesterday with one question:  Do you know where I can buy that Netarts Bay salt?  He said he just saw it on AM Northwest!  We told him it was called Jacobsen Salt and directed him to The Schooner Bar & Grill around the corner on Netarts Bay. Immediately after he left we pulled up AM Northwest online and found a link to what he was talking about.  Take a peek at the footage in the link below!  I thought it was a fun segment. The hosts were so excited about the taste it made me want to run out and get some to try myself! 
Here is a link to the show:
http://www.katu.com/amnw/segments/FEAST-Portland-223674071.html

Something I also just became aware of while perusing their website is that Jacobsen Salt Co. is holding a Fall Dinner Series right at their Salt production facility on Netarts Bay!  Each dinner will feature a different chef and a four course meal, also wine or cocktail pairings and dessert all with the backdrop of glorious Netarts Bay.  Prior to each dinner, wine and appetizers are served as guests are given a tour of the facility and grounds to showcase the salt harvesting process. They are even offering round trip transportation from the Portland area (for an additional fee) if you don't live in and around Netarts.  The grand opening event took place September 7, but future dates include September 18, October 5 and October 19.  Dinner prices range from $135-$175.

Visit their blog for details: 
http://jacobsensalt.com/blog/

Perhaps they will someday have short kayak tours launching right from their bay front bank after dinner!  Now that would be a wonderful way to finish off the evening, considering their ideal location toward the South end of the bay -- especially in the Fall!  What do you think Ben?  I hear Kayak Tillamook puts on a great tour.  They'll even bring the kayaks!  Something to think about I'd say!

When you have a chance definitely check out their website.  There's a ton of great reading material and product to discover!
http://jacobsensalt.com/

Great job Jacobsen Salt Co.!  We are having a great time watching your success and love that Netarts Bay is so important to your creation.

See you at the beach!
~Wendy
www.iWantABeachHome.com

BEST DEALS IN NETARTS, OCEANSIDE & CAPE MEARES - SEPT 2013

These are some of my favorites currently on the market as of Sept. 12, 2013:

,

505 Capes Drive Unit #3  |  Oceanside, OR
Current List Price:  $279,900
 2BD/2BA 1,455 SF.  If your idea of coming to the beach involves zero yard work and no exterior maintenance then this is the place for you! HOA covers all costs from the drywall out ($330/month). This place not only has a fantastic ocean view, but is located right on one of two private Capes walking trails to the beach. The master suite is separate from the main living space with it's very own deck, jetted tub and walk-in shower.  Tons of natural light flows into the vaulted great room with a reading/sleeping nook and a wood burning fireplace.  Easy beach getaways start right here....and at the right price!


 

850 Happy Camp Rd  |  Netarts, OR
Current List Price: $459,000
4BD/3BA 2,164 SF, Located second row to the ocean & bay front with a great rental history this place is a no brainer!  Two separate garages, killer ocean & bay view from the great room and bedrooms. There is an elevator to all 3 levels and an open concept great room on the top floor.  You can walk to the beach and bay in a matter of seconds.  This is a great price for the size, location and vacation rental potential!

1120 5th Street Loop  |  Netarts, OR
Current List Price: $128,500
3BD/1BA, 1,503 SF, One of very few homes in this price range that you can walk just two blocks and be at the beach! Another bonus is the commercial zoning - Located on the corner of Crab Avenue and 5th right in the heart of Netarts. The house has tons of storage and shop area, plus a fenced yard. New carpet and paint throughout. It was built in 1930, but has been well maintained by the current owners.

1380 Pacific Ave  |  Oceanside, OR
Current List Price: $825,000
3BD/2BA, 2,255 SF, Ocean Front! This is an Epic location with a front and center view of the Three Arch Rocks and Cape Lookout. The view is surreal.  The inside of this home has been completely renovated with luxury finishes throughout. Floor to ceiling tile bathrooms, Custom Cherry cabinets and Granite in Kitchen. This is one of my favorite homes in Oceanside.

1550 W Old Netarts Rd  |  Netarts, OR
Current List Price:  $198,000
2BD/2BA, 1,340 SF. Located on the West side of Hwy 131 just one block from the Netarts Bay Marina, beach access and The Schooner Bar and Grill. My favorite feature of this home besides the proximity to the bay is the vaulted ceiling in the great room.  The natural light is wonderful!  


 

 4843 Holly Heights  |  Netarts, OR
Current List Price: $329,000
3BD/2.5BA, 1,828 SF.  This town home has a gorgeous bay and ocean view and is located just a few blocks from Netarts Bay, beach access and the public marina. The interior of his home is impeccable! Solid maple built-ins, granite counters, hardwood floors upstairs and down, attached garage.  Truly near perfect and very well priced!

4950 Meadowood Lane  |  Netarts, OR
Current List Price: $875,000
5BD/3.5BA, 5,324 SF on 2.74 Bay View Acres. This home has the feel of an estate with it's own private gate, manicured landscaping and detached carriage house. Priced well below replacement cost this may be the best deals in the county -- price per SF considering the quality and attention to detail.  If you love modern design and need space this is the place.

6055 NW 4th  |  Cape Meares, OR
Current List Price:  $379,000
2BD/1BA, 768 SF. This is by far one of the most unique properties on the Oregon coast by location -- ocean on one side and Lake Meares on the other. You will have a hard time choosing which view you like better -- personally I love the lake! Less than a block to the beach. Wonderful inside & out! 

152 Glenwood  |  Oceanside, OR
Currently List Price: $349,000
4BD/4BA. 2,040 SF.  This duplex has one of the best unobstructed dead on views of the Three Arch Rocks in all of Oceanside.  A great investment fully rented, or just rented on one side ($900/month) and enjoying the other side yourself.  Vaulted ceiling, good size deck and single car garage for each unit.  This is worth taking a closer look at!

1800 Pearl Street Unit #9  |   Netarts, OR
Current List Price: $299,000
2BD/1BA, 708 SF.  You can't beat the view & location of this Pearl Point condo.  This unit has been completely redone -- carpet, cabinets, bathroom, kitchen, you name it.  Just down the stairs + 10 more steps and your feet are in the sand. The HOA pays for several amenities, including insurance. Properties on Pearl Street don't come up for sale very often! Don't miss this opportunity.

370 Fall Creek Drive  |  Oceanside, OR
Current List Price: 699,000
5BD/5BA, 4,454 SF. Ocean Front!  If you have a big family, or a lot of friends this is the house for you w/large bedrooms, a bonus room, a sun room, propane fireplace and an enormous great room. If square footage isn't enough, how about a level grassy ocean front yard and a driveway big enough to play basketball in?  Price per square foot this is an incredible ocean front value.


Portland is already starting to feel the burn, with prices increasing and list times shortening in many areas.  This part of the coast (The Three Capes Loop) is typically 12 months behind the Portland market.  I can safely call our market stable, but there is still time to buy a beach home with the 30-40% discount from the peak of the market in 2007.   Every home on this list is down at least 30% and interest rates, while not at their lowest are still hovering around 4.5%.  Don't be one of those people that look back a year or two from now saying, "Why didn't I buy a home at the beach while the market was down?!"  

While the homes on this list may be my favorites and in my opinion some of the best deals on the market, there are MANY more homes for sale.  Call, or email me today.  It's time to get your beach home hunt underway!  And, Fall is a great time to buy.  Do your good deed for the year and save a seller from having to carry their home through another Winter!  Great deals are out there waiting to happen.

503.812.4615
wendy@iwantabeachhome.com

See you at the beach!
~Wendy 

GREAT THINGS TO DO....EVEN WHEN IT RAINS!

We had friends and family in town last week, which was a good reminder of all things great to do within just a few minutes of home!  When I asked them how they spent their days here's what they said:

1 - Went to the Cape Meares Lighthouse (the shortest lighthouse in the world) and the Octopus Tree.

2 - Hiked down the stairs to Short Beach between the lighthouse and Oceanside.  Hunted for agates.

3 - Crossed the creek at Short Beach and got their shoes wet.

4 - Ate at the newest restaurant in Oceanside -- The Blue Agate Cafe.  LOVED the food.

5 - Walked on the beach in Oceanside at low tide x 3...rain or shine =)

6 - Stopped in to Lex's Cool Stuff on Crab Avenue in Netarts.  Touched and tried on all kinds of things.  Purchased a fantastically decorated witch hat, a pair of velvet pumps that look like they've never been worn and turquoise snake-ish skin looking boots.   I have actually never been into the store.  I'm feeling a blog post coming on about her cool stuff in the future =)

7 - Headed into Tillamook: Destination: La Tea Da for a light fair and tea.  They couldn't say enough about this place.  All very good things, including plans to return in the future.

8 - Returned to Netarts for "Happy Hour" and appetizers on the bay with family and friends.

9 - Drove back into Tillamook for First Friday at the Blue Heron.  September's Event: Grape stomping!  It sounded like they had a great time enjoying wine, food, music, the works!  Lucy and Ethel even made an appearance and apparently fell out of their bucket onto the concrete!  Ouch!  That's gonna hurt in the morning!

10 - Made appointments at Chez Belle Salon in Tillamook for manicures and pedicures.

11 - Had an amazing seafood feed back at the house -- Fresh caught local salmon and fresh Willapa Bay clams cooked in white wine and garlic.

12 - Went to the Tillamook Farmer's Market Saturday morning.  Ate breakfast at the La Mexicana Cart.  Returned with fantastic fresh veggies and flowers.

13 - Picked up fresh oysters from Pacific Oyster in Bay City for their farewell Oyster BBQ.

14 - Spent an afternoon on the deck at the Schooner enjoying wine and a spectacular view of Netarts Bay!

15 -  Headed into Tillamook for lunch at La Mexicana.

16 - Returned to the beach in Oceanside, but went through the tunnel this time and checked out some tide pools.  Waded in to the tide pools to get pictures of starfish...got their shoes wet again!

17 - Ate breakfast at Roseanna's in Oceanside.  Enjoyed fantastic food and watched the fog lift revealing the magnificent Three Arch Rocks.

Not to bad for a four night stay, especially considering it rained two of those four days!  I loved hearing of their adventures each day and enjoying seafood feasts each night.  Really there is so much to do here and truly just not enough time!  Thank you, Teri, Carolyn and Donna for coming to Netarts for a visit.  It was a ton of fun and we can't wait until you come back!

See you on the beach!

~Wendy

NETARTS BAY - FUN UNTIL YOUR BOAT OVERTURNS

It was a perfectly calm, July blue sky morning here in Netarts.  I had plans to meet my friend and fellow boot camper, Monica for some much needed body beat down!

At seven a.m. sharp I turned the first corner into the Happy Camp public parking lot.  Just as I turned the second corner a man ran right in front of my car heading for the bay.  He was clenching a mug with his fist out in front of him about neck high, with coffee sloshing over the rim onto his clothes and the ground.  Striking me as a little odd, my eyes followed him as he ran toward the edge of the bay.  I quickly realized he wasn't running for fun, but out of fear of what was about happen.  I threw my car into park and ran in the same direction dialing 911 as fast as I could.  Feeling completely helpless there I stood watching an overturned metal hulled boat with two men standing on top and one holding on to the side in the water.  They were screaming for help at the top of their lungs as their boat was not only quickly sinking, but being sucked out the mouth of the bay into the open ocean.

The water is cold pretty much every day, but the water was especially cold this particular morning.  None of these men were wearing gear to protect them, or save them.  No wetsuits, no life jackets.  Just jeans, boots and what looked like chest high waders.  The boat dropped out of sight within a couple of minutes and now there were three in the water.  The current carried them swiftly along the West shoreline.  Their heads bobbed along as they tried to make their way to the spit.  They didn't appear frantic, but my guess is the cold water had them feeling pretty tight all over making it difficult to move in the right direction.  Finally, after what seemed like eternity (I am sure even more so to them), they reached the beach.

With what energy they had left they were able to pull themselves up onto the sandy beach -- on West side of the channel, but out of the water!  At last!  One of them laid there face down for several minutes barely moving.  Exhausted I am certain from his frightening and frigid swim.  Within seconds the other two were stripping their cold wet clothes off and throwing them onto the sand. Once stripped down to almost nothing they started hopping up and down swinging their arms to get some blood moving toward their extremities again.  The sun probably had never felt this good beating on their skin after spending several minutes in the 45 degree water fully clothed. 

911 was having trouble reaching the Coast Guard.  They weren't picking up on their usual emergency line.  The dispatcher called an alternative number, which patched me through to non-emergency personnel.  A local police officer's wife was also on the beach.  She had called him and he had just arrived.  He used the loud speaker on his patrol car to ask if everyone was okay and to tell them help was on the way.  They responded with head nods and a faint "yes." 

Monica had shown up by this time.  We decided to continue on down the beach to get our workout underway.  My adrenalin was already pumping from witnessing this and I really couldn't take my eyes off of them out there on the spit.  Five minutes went by.  Ten.  Fifteen.  Then twenty.  Approximately thirty minutes after the 911 call the three men were picked up by local emergency responders.  

I can only speculate as to what may have happened out there.  My guess is they were out for some early morning crabbing, but didn't pay much attention to the fact that the tide was heading out and additionally that there was eight feet of water moving that day!  A 7.1 tide heading to a -1.0!  With the water moving so swiftly, pulling a crab pot can be a tedious and dangerous task -- especially if it's on the wrong side with the current pulling the pot underneath the boat.  A little water comes over the side, then a lot and suddenly all three of them go right into the water.  Whatever it was that overturned their boat that morning they weren't ready for it.  None were wearing life jackets. 

Lots of people do it -- Keep the jackets on board thinking they could grab them if something went wrong.  As you can see from this experience, you likely would not have time to get what you need before going over. 

These guys got lucky!  This could have turned out much worse.  I have a feeling they learned a lesson and will do things a little differently next time they go out on the water.  I think we can learn from their mistakes and always wear a life vest.  A really awesome day on the bay can turn deadly without warning, which really wouldn't be so awesome would it!

Netarts Bay is one of the best places to play!  But, be safe!  See you out there sometime soon...With your life jackets on!

~Wendy       

CASCADE HEAD AND NATURE CONSERVANCY TRAIL

One of the things I like best about living on the Three Capes Loop is it's proximity to some of the most amazing hikes and beach combing up and down the coast.  There are unspoiled beaches and a pristine bay just two minutes away, a State campground another five, multiple hikes down three sides of Cape Lookout just two miles past that -- one of them leading to a beach you often have to yourself protected from the wicked North wind in the Summer.  How can you beat it?!  I spend a lot of time working, playing and exploring in a ten mile radius (which I am thankful for!), but this year I've ventured beyond this small area to get to know Cascade Head a little better -- just 40 minutes from Netarts (if you travel up and over Cape Lookout and through Pacific City.)  Just as their website says, Cascade Head is "a spectacular coastal headland...a haven for rare plants, wildlife and grassland communities."  Prepare to be amazed. 
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/oregon/placesweprotect/cascade-head.xml

I hiked the lower trail to the top for the first time last Fall (absolutely amazing...better than I imagined!), and since then the Nature Conservancy Trail, which meets up with the lower trail after walking through some of the most splendid, peaceful forest around.  After visiting/hiking/soaking in Cascade Head just one time, you'll find yourself wanting more and you WILL return!

Just a little digging online (or talking to a local that hikes) and you will discover there are MANY trails, beaches and waterways that deserve attention in and around Cascade Head.

The Nature Conservancy Trail is a hike to add to your list.  If you haven't hiked the South side of Cascade Head definitely do it first, but follow it up with the NC trail -- possibly on a different day, as weather changes and different times of day add to the experience in a big way!  It's a short trail and not too difficult.  You could do it start to finish in an hour, or so.  The day we were up there we only encountered a couple of other hikers (mid-day Sunday in late July.)  We essentially had the place to ourselves....perfect. Just the cool breeze, a hefty bank of fog whispering through the tree tops and to my delight, infinite shades of green.  The temperature and breeze on my face were half of the experience -- especially when you consider the wind wasn't blowing really anywhere else and it's was a warm, sunny day! 

This trail is different.

I noticed many plants/flowers I've never seen before and was especially taken back by how little underbrush there was beneath the towering fir trees -- also by how lush and thick the ground cover was as far as you could see!  Even though smaller offshoot trails (from deer and elk I presume) call to you, as they lead deeper into the woods (very tempting) there are signs right from the start asking visitors to please stay on the designated trail -- hence the name "Nature Conservancy."  I say stay on the trail.  If everyone follows this simple request the NC trial will continue to please and amaze hikers for years to come.

Whether you hike from the top or the bottom, this is one of many views you will enjoy from the top.  Take my advice and do the trails on different days.  You will experience different weather/fog/wind etc. which will positively add to your hiking experience.  Bring a camera (of course!) and a light jacket, or long sleeve shirt.  The cool breeze will catch you off guard -- in a very good way!

Visit again soon.  I have A LOT more to write about!  It's been a VERY busy Summer -- both work and play!  Future posts?  Paddling the Salmon River Mouth, Things to do within 10 miles of home, the best clam bake ever you'll never eat, boat overturned in Netarts Bay: self rescue prevails..no thanks to life jackets!, What makes Netarts sooooo cool?!, New Rob Trost Real Estate offices booming!....just to name a few.  And, don't forget my birthday next month!  I haven't come up with how to top last year's cross bay swim.  Any ideas???  If something comes to mind send me an email: wendy@iwantabeachhome.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks for stopping by.  See you at the beach!

~Wendy