Meeting Minutes

President John Brewer called the meeting to order at 7:30am.  Andrew May led the flag salute.  Guests were Doc Reiss, Rich Bishop, Kathryn MacGeraghty, Marc Abshire, Walt Tichenor and Steve Berman.

Minutes from the February 2 Business Meeting and February 8 Board Meeting were read.  Sam moved and George seconded the motion to accept the minutes for both meetings.  Edna corrected the minutes for the Business meeting to include the Chamber and PADA to those working on the COHO Welcome Home Party.  Minutes were approved with corrections.

President John presented two names for membership. Edna moved and Stephanie seconded, accepting Steve Berman (Suzy B Studios) and Walt Tichenor (writer), as new members.  Motion carried.  John presented each with a Membership Certificate.

President John explained the Board’s recommendation to send $350 to cover delegation meals at the YMCA Youth and Government Program in Olympia.  Rob moved and Ted seconded the motion to spend the money.  Motion carried.

Program

President John and Andrew May introduced the speaker, Doc Reiss, President of the Port Angeles Association of Realtors.

Mr. Reiss said the sale and buying of homes is a key indicator of a community.  He said the PA area saw a 14% increase in home sales in 2015 over 2014.  The average home buyer, after being in the area for six months, will spend $17,000 on items for the home.  New home sales brought in over $800,000 to the community last year and that does not include the price of the home.  This year 27 homes, at a value of $229,000, have been sold.  Inventory is down so it is a sellers market.  Local realtors are working on way to move homes that might not seem perfect for those searching for homes.  Mini rehab loans are making it easier for home buyers to fix up homes to their satisfaction.  He said not all homes may be perfect but they can be fixed up to be made perfect for the buyer.  Winter is a slow time in the market with most homes being sold from May through August.  Businesses are the character of the community and are what can bring people to town.  Neighbors are important, too.

Q & A Period

Repo’s and foreclosures, raw land, rentals, good schools, commercial property, tiny cottages and mother-in-law houses.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.