Outer Banks Real Estate Update: The “Seaside Report” – 2.14.12

The Seaside Report

The main economic driver on the Outer Banks is real estate. Yet, the OBX does not have an in-depth report analyzing the full spectrum of real estate on the Outer Banks – residential & commercial sales, distressed properties (foreclosures & bank-owned), and current vacation rental trends.

To meet this need for a detailed analysis of the current Outer Banks real estate market, including the often ignored but incredibly important vacation rental market, we have created the monthly “Seaside Report.”

We have combined the forces of both sides of our business – Outer Banks real estate sales with Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty & OBX vacation rentals with Seaside Vacations – to bring you the first report to offer a comprehensive view of the OBX real estate market – real estate sales & vacation rentals.

Please keep in mind that there is a lag time between “real time” and data collection/reporting. As a result, the information will be as close to “real time” as possible, but the data will be based in the past by a couple weeks at least. I will indicate the corresponding date/timeliness for each section of data.

As always, we appreciate your input, and we encourage you to leave your comments below. We are happy to address any questions you may have, and we are always interested in suggestions for improvement.

Outer Banks Real Estate Sales
(Data Source: OBAR)

January 2012 OBX MLS Data: 

2012 is off to a great start for Outer Banks real estate. January is typically a slow period for real estate, but the OBX market has been anything but slow in January 2012.

  • The total number of sales in January was up 17% over January 2011.
  • Under Contracts were up by 38% from January 2011.
  • January sales ran the gamut from $20k (land) to $1.6 million (KDH oceanfront).

YTD Sales Residential

  • Up 13% (94 units vs 83 units)
  • Land – Up 13% (17 units vs 15 units)
  • Commercial – up 100% (2 units vs 1 unit)

YTD Under Contract 

  • Residential – Up 32% (144 units vs 109 units)
  • Land – Up 43% (33 units vs 23 units)
  • Commercial – Up 500% (6 units vs 1 unit)

Distressed Sales:  (Distressed = Bank Owned and Short Sales)
Of the 347 new listings in January, 22 were potential short sales & 42 were bank owned. Sold distressed sales data for the month:

 

Total Sold

Bank Owned

Short Sale

% Distressed

January

113

20

16

32%

4th Quarter 2011 OBX MLS Data

Summary – Overall, 2011 ended on a flat note with total sales down by approximately 1% and under contract listings down by 1%. However, there has been a notable decline in the median sale price of single family homes and condos. When comparing the yearly median sale prices there has been a 6 % decline in the price for single family homes and a 10% decline in the price for condominiums. Additionally, when looking at the 5 year trend in median sales prices there has been a 24% decline in single family home prices and a 41% decline in condominiums.

Median Sales Price

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Single Family Homes

$416,833

$383,599

$352,607

$319,500

$334,795

$316,269

Percent Change

-10%

-8%

-8%

-9%

5%

-6%

Condos

$335,642

$278,291

$325,260

$278,252

$218,031

$195,968

Percent Change

8%

-17%

17%

-22%

-22%

-10%

2011 Sales End-of-Year Breakdown

  • Residential: Down 3% (1315 units vs. 1374 units)
  • Land: Up 15% (323 units vs. 282 units)
  • Commercial: Up 92% (25 units vs. 13 units)

Year-End Sale Price Range: The best selling residential properties fell into the $200K to $299K range.

Price Range $0 – 99K $100 – 199K $200 – 299K $300 – 399K $400 – 499K $500 – 599K $600 – 699K $800 – 999K > $1M
Units Sold 81 302 328 219 117 88 88 49 55
Average Days on Market 168 191 208 267 270 264 260 302 308

Inventory: The majority of the current active residential listings fall in the following price ranges:

Price Range

Number of Listings

Price Range

Number of Listings

$1 – $99,999K

73

$600K – $699K

109

$100K – $199K

230

$700K – $799K

51

$200 – $299K

330

$800K – $899K

58

$300K – $399K

324

$900K – $999K

38

$400K – $499K

217

> $1M

121

$500K – $599K

173

Distressed Property (Residential):  Distressed = Bank Owned and Short Sales

Distressed property currently makes up 14% of the active inventory in the MLS and the sale of distressed property accounts for 31% of all residential property sales.  Overall, the sale of properties listed as short sales rose 27% and the sale of bank owned properties declined 22%; however, total distressed property sales were down by 8% from 2010.

Seaside Report: Distressed Property Market Overview - Q4 2011

Seaside Report: Distressed Property Market Overview - Q4 2011

 

Average

Median

Days On  Market

Q4 11

$290,550

$205,000

225

Q3 11

$306,648

$239,950

231

% Change

-5.25%

-14.57%

-2.60%

Market Highlights – Sold Properties

Single Family Homes, January 1 – December 31, 2011

  • Duck continues to have the lowest percentage of distressed property sales, ending the year with a total of 22%
  • Hatteras Island has the largest percentage of distressed property sales with 55% of all sold single family homes being either bank owned or short sales
  • Although the Outer Banks had a slight decrease in single family homes sold for 2011 (1159 vs. 1193) the amount of sales over $1 million dollars increased.  There were  46 homes sold for over $1 million this year compared with 39 last year.  Of the 46 sold, 9  homes sold for over $2 Million (compared to 4 in 2010)
  • Distressed sales accounted for 37% of all residential (single family & condos) sales in 2011, which was the same as the previous year.

 Outer Banks Vacation Rental Market 
(Data Source: NAVIS GeoAnalytics)

Average Booking Window
Legend: 2011;  2012

This graph demonstrates the average number of days between booking and check-in date. This graph is summarized by month of booking, rather than month of stay.

For example, the reservations made at this time of year are about 170 days in advance of their check-in date. The takeaway message is that guests should book early for summer months in order to reserve the most desirable homes and weeks – about 170 days in advance at this time of year.

Seaside Report: Average Booking Window - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Booking Window - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Booking Window - YoY Variance - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Booking Window - YoY Variance - January 2012

Average Length of Stay
Legend: 2011;  2012

The Length of Stay graph illustrates the average number of days between check-in date and check-out date of reservations, summarized by check-in month.

As would be expected for the Outer Banks, the average stay is seven days + for the summer months and varies in the shoulder season. A strong takeaway here is that full weeks are a must for the summer months, but Spring and Fall offer great opportunities for shorter stays and discounted rates, while maintaining the great benefits of gorgeous weather, empty beaches, and ample attractions and activities.

Seaside Report: Average Length of Stay - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Length of Stay - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Length of Stay - YoY Variance - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Length of Stay - YoY Variance - January 2012

Average Stay Value
Legend: 2011;  2012

The Stay Value graph illustrates the average revenue actualized or projected for reservations, summarized by check-in month.

The clear message with this graph is that demand is high and supply is low during the summer months, and as a result, prices are driven higher during the summer months. As mentioned above, Spring and Fall offer great opportunities for shorter stays and discounted rates, while maintaining the great benefits of gorgeous weather, empty beaches, and ample attractions and activities.

Seaside Report: Average Stay Value - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Stay Value - January 2012

Seaside Report: Average Stay Value - YoY Variance - January 2011

Seaside Report: Average Stay Value - YoY Variance - January 2011

Bookings
Legend: 2011;  2012

The Bookings graph illustrates the number of reservations actualized or on the books, summarized by check-in month. This graph gives a good view of the “strength” of the reservations over the previous year. Reservations are up, which indicates that early reservations are wise and prices should remain constant. Although, at this point, July is slightly under-performing in comparison to 2011. This will be a trend to keep an eye on.

Seaside Report: Bookings - January 2012

Seaside Report: Bookings - January 2012

Seaside Report: Bookings - YoY Variance - January 2012

Seaside Report: Bookings - YoY Variance - January 2012

Outer Banks Behind the Lens: 2011 Year in Pictures

Outer Banks: 12.31.11 - Last OBX Sunset of 2011

Outer Banks: 12.31.11 - Last OBX Sunset of 2011

It’s official, 2012 has arrived. We’re looking forward to an amazing year on the Outer Banks, but before we move ahead, let’s pause for a quick look back.

As I’ve mentioned in my other Outer Banks Behind the Lens posts, each and everyday I try to make time to get to the beach to snap a photo and give a quick beach report. This morning routine has become one of my favorite times of the day. In addition to the morning photo, I do my best to snap great OBX photos anytime I see them.

I just put the finishing touches on a slideshow of all my Outer Banks pictures on Flickr, and in my humble opinion, it’s pretty cool. Definitely a relaxing way to kill a few minutes.

A full year of Outer Banks pictures for 2011 – beach, Sound, sunrise, sunset, storms (ah hem, Hurricane Irene!), gorgeous beach days, fish, surfing, a double rainbow, and even Scooby Doo’s Mystery Van!

Overall, a pretty great year on the OBX. Here’s to an even better 2012!

Enjoy…

Outer Banks Behind the Lens: December 2011

Outer Banks: 12.31.11 - Last OBX Sunset of 2011

Outer Banks: 12.31.11 - Last OBX Sunset of 2011

Happy New Year! Can you believe it?! 2012?!

Wow 2011 flew by. I suspect 2012 will have a similar pace. But I’m going to do my best to help us appreciate some of the simple things – like great Outer Banks photos.

The OBX is a pretty great muse. It’s difficult to take a bad OBX photo, and it’s easy to find inspiration on a daily basis.

Each and everyday I try to make time to get to the beach to snap a photo and give a quick beach report. I share these on a variety of websites, and one of these fabulous websites –Flickr – gives me the ability to create nifty slideshows.

As we close out each month, I collect the OBX photos for the month and craft a quick and easy slideshow to remind us of how beautiful the month was; i.e. Outer Banks Behind the Lens.

Since we just flipped the calendar to January, let’s take a look back at December on the Outer Banks, shall we? Enjoy!

Love the idea? Want to see OBX pictures of something in particular? Just want to say hi? :) Let me know in the comments section. We love to hear from you.

PS – Should I put together a slideshow for all of 2011? I’m thinking yes, right?

OBX Moment of Zen: 12.30.11 – Gorgeous End to 2011

Outer Banks: 12.30.11 - Gorgeous End to 2011

Outer Banks: 12.30.11 - Gorgeous End to 2011

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Friday, December 30, 2011.

This video was shot at the Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills at 8:30 AM.

Beautiful weather to close out 2011. Bright sun, blue skies, light offshore breeze out of the southwest, and temps around 60 degrees. Perfect weather to celebrate the New Year at the beach.

Not much surf to report. There’s a pretty little wave out there, but it’s small. Could to a good day to enjoy the weather with a longboard.

OBX fishing is slow, but stripers are showing up; so hopefully we’ll have a good bite soon.

Have a safe and happy New Year. Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 12.29.11 – Great End to 2011

Outer Banks: 12.29.11 - Great End to 2011

Outer Banks: 12.29.11 - Great End to 2011

Good morning. Here’s your Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Thursday, December 29, 2011.

This video was shot at 9:00 AM just north of the Avalon Pier at the Hayman St. beach access.

It is great to be back to the beach after some holiday travels. Hope you had a great holiday.

We have a gorgeous end to 2011. Bright sun, blue skies and temps in the 50′s. Looking ahead to the New Year’s Eve weekend, we have sun and temps at 60 degrees. Perfect weather to celebrate the New Year on the OBX.

We have some fun surf this morning. Waist high waves and a light offshore breeze out of the southwest at 5 mph. The swell will fade throughout the day, and there doesn’t look like much surf over the next few days; so hit it this morning if you can.

OBX fishing is slow. Water temps have dipped down to the low 50′s, and most of the fish have disappeared. However, it’s striper season and we have some sporadic reports to some decent catches. Unfortunately, we’re still waiting on a big bite.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

OBX Moment of Zen: 12.28.11 – Bright Sun & Blue Skies

Outer Banks: 12.28.11 - Bright Sun & Blue Skies

Outer Banks: 12.28.11 - Bright Sun & Blue Skies

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Wednesday, December 28, 2011.

This video was shot at 8:45 AM just south of the Avalon Pier at 5th St. beach access in Kill Devil Hills.

Great to be back at the beach after some holiday travels. It’s a beautiful day. Bright sun, blue skies, 50′s, and a stiff offshore wind out of the west.

There’s a longboard wave out there, but the wind is blowing the tips of the waves.

Fishing is slow. Stripers are in the area, but we are still waiting for a big bite.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun.

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 12.20.11 – Great Weather & Fun Surf

Outer Banks: 12.20.11 - Great Weather & Fun Surf

Outer Banks: 12.20.11 - Great Weather & Fun Surf

Good morning. Here’s your Outer Banks, Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

This video was shot at the Lillian St. beach access in Kitty Hawk at 9:00 AM.

Only 5 days until Christmas. Wow, time flies. This my last report until after the holiday, so I want to wish you a merry Christmas. I’ll be back soon.

Great day for my last report before the holiday. Great weather and fun surf carrying over from yesterday. Sun, 50′s, light offshore breeze out of the southwest. Looking ahead we could have a few spots of rain, but nothing extensive. Looks like Christmas week will be mostly sunny with temps around 60…perfect OBX Christmas weather.

The surf is fun today. Waist to chest high and real clean with the southwest wind. The offshore wind will stick around through Thursday morning. The swell will fade, but fun surf will stick around…even if it is a bit small. Gotta love surfing on Christmas week…thanks Santa.

OBX fishing has slowed down, but the good news is that the stripers are arriving. Sporadic reports of some great catches. Over the weekend, our friends at Rock Solid Fishing reported a 50 pound striper hauled in at the Oregon Inlet bridge. Definitely some big fish showing up, and we should have a great OBX striper bite real soon.

Have a great holiday. Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

OBX Moment of Zen: 12.16.11 – December Perfection

Outer Banks: 12.16.11 - December Perfection

Outer Banks: 12.16.11 - December Perfection

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Friday, December 16, 2011.

This video was shot just north of the Nags Head Pier at the Bladen St. beach access.

Two days in a row of perfect December OBX conditions; sun, 60′s, offshore breeze, and great waist to chest surf.

It will cool off a bit for the weekend, but the weather is looking good through Christmas.

Outer Banks fishing is slow, but the stripers are stating to arrive.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 12.15.11 – Amazing December Day & Great Surf

Outer Banks: 12.15.11 - Perfect OBX December Surf Day

Outer Banks: 12.15.11 - Perfect OBX December Surf Day

Note: Sorry about the lack of audio. Not sure what happened there. But if you forward to about the 1:50 mark, you can get a look at the beach and waves. Enjoy!

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Thursday, December 15, 2011.

This video was shot at the Nags Head Pier at 10 AM.

Amazing December day! Sun and temps at 65 degrees. Temps will dip back to 50′s looking ahead, but looks like great OBX weather all the way through Christmas.

Big news for the day is the surf. Perfect weather, a light southwest breeze, and clean chest high surf. Hit it if your on the OBX. Tomorrow looks like more of the same, but the wind will be stronger and the swell will fade through the day. Water temps at 52 degrees.

OBX fishing is slow, but stripers are on the way; so we should have a great striper bite soon.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 12.13.11 – Bright Sun & Chilly Wind

Outer Banks: 12.13.11 - Bright Sun & Chilly Wind

Outer Banks: 12.13.11 - Bright Sun & Chilly Wind

Good morning. Here’s your Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Tuesday, December 13, 2011.

This video was shot at the Hayman St. beach access in Kill Devil Hills at 9:00 AM.

December is moving quickly. A little less than two weeks until Christmas (my math was off in the video)!

Pretty day with bright sun, blue skies, temps in the 50′s, but a stiff northeast wind is adding a chill to the day. Temps will warm up to the 60′s over the next couple days, and the sun will stick with us through the week.

Unfortunately, no surf to report today. There is chest high swell, but this northeast wind is knocking it down. The good news is that Thursday and Friday look decent. The swell will stick with us, the wind should switch to the southwest. Thursday looks like chest high surf with a southwest wind at 5-10 mph. The swell will drop and the wind will pick up a bit for Friday, but it still looks like it could be a decent day for OBX surf. Water temps at 55 degrees so you’ll need a 5/4 wetsuit.

OBX fishing is slow. Wind is stiff and water temps are cooling. The good news is that stripers are showing up. Two 40 pounders caught at the Oregon Inlet bridge two weekends ago, and a 30 pounder caught in Mann’s Harbor this past weekend.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!