OBX Moment of Zen: 2.24.12 – Clouds & Wind, But Feels Like Spring

Outer Banks: 2.24.12 - Clouds & Wind, But Feels Like Spring at Avalon Pier

Outer Banks: 2.24.12 - Clouds & Wind, But Feels Like Spring at Avalon Pier

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Friday, February 24, 2012.

This video was shot just south of the Avalon Pier at the 5th St. beach access at 8:30 AM.

We have clouds, a stiff wind out of the southwest at 15-20 mph, and some scattered thunderstorms on the way, but temps will hit 70 today!

Enjoy the spring-like conditions while they last. Temps will dip back to 50 for the week. But the bright sun will make a comeback.

There a knee to waist swell in the water, but the offshore wind is pretty stiff. There could be a longboard wave if you can find the right spot.

Outer Banks fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jennette’s Pier and some tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 2.23.12 – Feels Like Spring

Outer Banks: 2.23.12 - Gorgeous Day at Jennette's Pier

Outer Banks: 2.23.12 - Gorgeous Day at Jennette's Pier

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Thursday, February 23, 2012.

This video was shot at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head at 9:15 AM.

Perfect OBX weather. Feels like spring. Warm sun, blue skies, light offshore breeze out of the southwest at 5-10 mph, and temps in the upper 60′s. Doesn’t get much better than this.

This weather will stick around for tomorrow, and then the temps will dip to the 50′s for the weekend, and the sun will stay with us.

There’s a pretty little longboard wave out there today. Knee high for the most part with some sets hitting the waist. The longboard wave should stick with us tomorrow too.

OBX fishing is slow. Dog fish and skate at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

OBX Moment of Zen: 2.22.12 – Prefect Winter Day

Outer Banks: 2.22.12 - Perfect Winter Day at Kitty Hawk Pier

Outer Banks: 2.22.12 - Perfect Winter Day at Kitty Hawk Pier

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

This video was shot at the Kitty Hawk Pier at 8:30 AM.

Perfect winter weather. Warm sun, bright blue skies, light offshore wind out of the southwest at 5-10 mph, and temps in the 60′s. And this weather will stick with us the next few days. Awesome.

Swell has faded considerably from yesterday, but there is still a knee to waist wave in the water, and the offshore breeze is shaping a clean, pretty longboard wave. This wave could stick with us tomorrow too.

Outer Banks fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 2.21.12 – Sun & Surf

Outer Banks: 2.21.12 - Sun & Surf in Kitty Hawk

Outer Banks: 2.21.12 - Sun & Surf in Kitty Hawk

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

This video was shot at the Lillian St. beach access in Kitty Hawk at 8:45 AM.

The great OBX weather is back. The storm system that brought heavy winds has moved off, and we have bright sun, blue skies, a light breeze and temps in the 50′s today. Looking ahead, the sun will stick around, and temps will climb to the 60′s for the next few days. Great week on the beach.

Good surf to report as well. Those heavy winds churned up a lot of waves, so we have good swell in the water. The wind is light, but it is still out of the east this morning. The good news is that the wind will swing offshore and hit us from the southwest around lunch today. So, hopefully we’ll see clean, head high surf this afternoon. The swell will fade through the day, but there could be a leftover longboard wave tomorrow morning with the wind still light out of the southwest.

OBX fishing is still slow. Skate and dig fish at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

OBX Moment of Zen: 2.20.12 – Raging Seas

Outer Banks: 2.20.12 - Raging Seas in Kill Devil Hills

Outer Banks: 2.20.12 - Raging Seas in Kill Devil Hills

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Monday, February 20, 2012.

This video was shot at the Hayman St. beach access in Kill Devil Hills at 8:30 AM.

Strong north wind at 20+ mph today. Wind is churning up the ocean. It’s a chilly, slow day, but the weather will improve throughout the week with temps back to the 60′s by mid week.

No surf today, but the raging seas should turn into clean, head high surf tomorrow when the wind slows down and switches offshore – 5 mph out of the southwest tomorrow. Wax up the board.

Fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jenette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

OBX Moment of Zen: 2.17.12 – Clouds, Fog & Wind

Outer Banks: 2.17.12 - Great Start at Nags Head Pier

Outer Banks: 2.17.12 - Great Start at Nags Head Pier

Good morning. Here’s your Outer Banks Moment of Zen for Friday, February 17, 2012.

This video was shot just south of the Nags Head Pier at the Bladen St. beach access at 9:15 AM.

Clouds, fog, and a stiff northeast wind today. Temps in the 50′s. Sun should make an appearance this afternoon and stick around for tomorrow. Looks like we could have a strong storm moving through on Sunday with rain and wind.

The good news about the storm on Sunday is that it will create some big swell in the head high range. The surf will be messy with the storm, but it looks like the surf could clean up on Tuesday when the wind switches offshore. Fingers crossed.

Fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 2.16.12 – Cloudy & Mild

Outer Banks: 2.16.12 - Clouds in Kitty Hawk

Outer Banks: 2.16.12 - Clouds in Kitty Hawk

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks, Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Thursday, February 16, 2012.

This video was shot at the Kitty Hawk Bath House at 9:00 AM.

Mild day with temps in the upper 50′s and a light onshore breeze binging in fresh salt air. Unfortunately, the clouds have rolled in, and we should see some rain showers this afternoon.

Looking ahead, the sun should be back heading into the weekend and temps will stuck in the 50′s.

No surf to report. The flat week continues. The swell will start to build heading into the weekend, but the wind won’t match up to clean the waves. Looks like early next week we could see some good surf. Chest to head high clean waves Tuesday?

OBX fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

OBX Moment of Zen: 2.15.12 – Beautiful Winter Day

Outer Banks: 2.15.12 - Gorgeous Winter Day in Kill Devil Hills

Outer Banks: 2.15.12 - Gorgeous Winter Day in Kill Devil Hills

Good morning. Here’s your OBX Moment of Zen for Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

This video was shot at the Hayman St. beach access at 9:00 AM.

Beautiful winter day. Sun, 50′s, light offshore breeze out of the southwest at 5 mph. Tomorrow to hit 60?

Ocean is flat. Nada surf.

Slow fishing with skate and dog fish at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!

Captured Live on Ustream at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/outer-banks

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 Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report: 2.14.12 – Happy Valentine’s Day!

Outer Banks: 2.14.12 - Valentine's Day in Kitty Hawk

Outer Banks: 2.14.12 - Valentine's Day in Kitty Hawk

Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Tuesday, February 14, 2012.

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

Happy Valentine’s Day. Much love from your friends in the OBX.

Clouds, 50, and a light offshore breeze out of the southwest at 5 mph today. It feels nice to have the temps climb back up after a couple chilly days. We should hit 60 by Thursday. A couple spots of rain this week, but for the most part it’s a great week if weather at the beach.

No surf to report. I love walking out to great surf rolling in, but there’s something very cool about an ocean that is completely flat. And today is completely flat. Couldn’t get much more flat. No swell over the next few days.

The ocean may be flat, but it was active with dolphin this morning, and I even caught a quick glimpse of a whale cruising by.

OBX fishing is slow. Skate and dog fish at Jennette’s Pier and tuna offshore.

Hope to see you soon. Have fun!