oceancityrealtor's Blog

We have been continuously battered from all sides with doom and gloom recently. So, as a firm "glass 1/2 full" kinda' guy, here is some real POSITIVE RECENT news:

Corporate Cash Flows are at the strongest in 25 years!

Interest Rates are LOW (below the 7.1% 8 year average)

US Home prices are down to 5.7 times per capita income (the historical norm), which is down from the 7.3 times of  Oct. 2005!!

What took Japan over 10 years to implement, in fixing their financial problems, has taken us only 90 days.

Money from overseas is flowing into US Treasuries because we ARE the engine of the world.

Existing home sales are up...highest in a year (up 5.5% in Sept. from August)

New Home Sales Up 2.7%

Inventory of unsold homes fell (good for sellers) 7.3% - Largest monthly drop in 4 years)

Libor Rates are dropping (affect mortgage rates)

FHA Applications are up 160% over 2007!

Oil Prices are dropping!!! $64 Dollars a barrel, down from $145 a barrel in July...that is $10 to $20 real dollars less to fill-up than two months ago!!!

Every  1 cent reduction in gas prices saves Americans $3.4 million dollars a day! So, prices dropping $1.33/gallon saves us $447 million a day.

The dollar is STRONG again!!

Now, stop with the negative talk, and start doing positive things, even if it means DON'T turn on the news, or talk radio and definately don't pay attention to political ads or wrangling.

Oh, and cheer on the Terps Thursday...maybe all the positive thinking will get 'em a win in Blacksburg!                                           
                                              www.awisemove.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Snow was a reporter, speechwriter and White House Press secretary that I truly enjoyed listening to. As a reporter he truly reported, unbiased and professional...and established a connection to me (the viewer). In his role as press secretary he commanded the podium with humor , class and knowledge. He interacted and controlled the audience of his peers with straightforword answers, and always remained diligently loyal to the Office he served.

I pray for his family, and will miss Mr. Snow. Add a note on your thoughts of this terrific newsman.

www.awisemove.net

 

I'm a REALTOR, as you may ,or may not know. So, as a REALTOR I am forever being solicited from this or that media outlet to advertise. I do, and have advertised heavily, at great expense I might add. The advertisers I have and do work with are professional and competent and I generally use/read...or subscribe to their service. But, take note of the mess you see in the picture above......

Well, as my (Verizon) cell phone rings, this is what some contracted (I am sure..?) delivery person did to my condo's parking lot in Ocean City, Maryland. These are Verizon telephone directories strewn through our parking lot...dumped essentially! As you or anyone else might have been...I was and am pis**d off...and WILL NEVER recommend/advertise and in the process of changing the aforementioned company as my phone provider. This is absolutely the end of any dealings I will have with this company..only to be mentioned once!

A few weeks prior, I might add, YellowBooks were delivered to our building with a knock at the door if you were home. If you were not home they were place inside the storm door or directly in front of the storm door....NOT thrown in a parking lot...and across someones parking spot.

So...anyone at the irresponsible company be it known..NOT to solicit advertising from me,..or phone service...or internet...NOTHING. Clean up your act, or stay out of Ocean City.

Anyhow...it's beautiful in OC...Hope to see you here?

It is always sad when a home or business is lost by fire, or otherwise. But for us in our Ocean City resort town, our boardwalk, is near and dear too us. Too many people it is the heart and soul of Ocean City, MD , with all the smells (good and bad), sights , food, rides and games. A bit "honky tonk" and cheesy, it is none the less a huge part of the resort's identity. We lost a part of that identity, at least temporarily, on Sunday.

A fire swept through the Dough Roller at S. Division Street and the boardwalk, gutting it and another business ...as well as several apartments. This restaurant, maybe not the favorite for the likes of Emeril, but a favorite stop for thousands of visitors over many years. The restaurant had tables outside to people watch (one of my favorite past times) and convenient food to munch on. Now, the restaurant will be torn down until it is (and it will be) inevitably rebuilt.

But as we push on towards our most busy of seasons...summer....a void will be left for at least the summer of 2008. That void will be felt at the corner of S. Division St. and Atlantic Ave (more commonly known as "The Boardwalk")....until you rise again...we'll miss ya'. www.awisemove.net

January 1st, 2008...Ocean City, Maryland, .....92nd Street and the beach. This is where it happens every year for the past thirteen, and will continue into the future. Thousands, at a minimum "a thousand", gather to participate in the Penquin swim benifiting local hospital (Atlantic General). I have attended in the past and watched in a little bit of awe, and shock as hundreds of people old and young (even very young& very old) jump into the cold, or very cold, January waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Notice I said "attended" and not "participated"...well, this year was different.

I along with hundreds of other idiots jumped in ....and whew, it certainly takes your breath away! I walked out through the surf as my feet and lower legs quickly numbed. I continued out (mother nature had the laugh...it was low tide) to waist deep water enough to be able to dive under a wave. Well, I did it....and did it again...with a little surprise that either time I wasn't affected as badly as I thought by the temperature - or, that like my legs, I was becoming numb as well?

Well, out I got.... myself, wife and friends went to the Bull on the Beach for some lunch- and to warm up! And maybe a shot or two of Tuaca....?

Talking with Bull on the Beach owner at the restaurant, Phil Houck, I learned that over $32,000 had been raised through the event for AGH! Great time and thanks to the Houcks and everyone involved in the Penquin Swim!

www.awisemove.net

 

Just got an email from my cousin in the San Miquel area of Southern California. He also sent some pictures he took from his house...WOW. The pictures were taken at 4:30 am.

I'll post more when they are approved...GOD Bless those folks.   www.awisemove.net

Now,my study is not really a study, but an experience that may or may not support anything in the unreleased NASA domestic air safey study? I just find it coincidental and somewhat topical, so read on.

On our way home from a wonderful, and highly recommended, third trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands, we were approaching Charlotte International Airport to catch a connecting flight to Reagan. A gorgeous Saturday the 20th of October, on an otherwise uneventful USAir flight. The landing gear was down, and being a REALTOR, we were at the perfect altitude for me to look at several partially completed housing developments surrounding the airport. I made this statement to my lovely wife, who politely, blew me off with a random head nod acknowledgement (she was filing her nails you know?).

Just about at the same moment the engines gunned or roared to what sounded like enough horsepower to propel us into space. The nose went from a landing angle to a liftoff angle in no time (pretty impressive if not for the fear). The landing gear came up and we were also in a turn to the right, a pretty sharp one at that. Needless to say, my wife stopped filing her nails and her attention, as everyone else on the flight was directed at "what the heck is goin' on?" thoughts? My thoughts went from a few seconds of fear to relative calm (I rationalized it as ...hey I can't control any of whatever is happening) figuring if I heard a loud bang or a sudden thump...I wouldn't have been "blogging" anymore.

Well safely back in a circling pattern high above Charlotte the very calm, confident Captain addressed his shaken group of vacationers. Sounding as if this was almost routine (and I liked that in his voice) he stated somthing like this," Well folks our fantastic air traffic controllers informed us that there was a plane still on our runway, while we were at approximately 500 ft from landing..." Well fifteen minutes later we were safely on the ground, ...I quess that part is obvious because of this long winded post.

Fast forward to later that evening at my moms house in Rockville (after my dissapointment in Marylands loss to Virginia), watching the Fox news and hearing about this "near miss report from NASA?" Well, that is topical, isn't it??

www.awisemove.net

By the way, when we were on the ground at Charlotte taxiing in, I saw ,as did the guy in front of me, two fully marked up PAN AM jets....I thought they were long out of business??? Any info on this...just curious?

Well it's mid-May and it feels like February here in Ocean City. I feel horrible for all the classic/hot-rod enthusiasts that are in town with their prize possessions. The weather simply, sucks!

The weather aside, you should try to get to OC this weekend if you are a car fan. The sheer number of classic cars is unreal, I would love to know how this event compares to others on a National level. It's got to be one of the largest events or at least appears that way because of the layout of Ocean City.

The sounds and smells of Cruiser weekend in Ocean City are also loud, strong and unique. Top fuel smells are overwhelming at times, while sitting at a traffic light. The low grumble of the big block engines and the scream of a quick tire patch are other experiences you will encounter on a drive through town. It is amusing at times to see these adults and the very expensive toys play and act like it were the 1960's again. Not that I know how the 1960's were , but with all the eras' cars represented, I feel I should be dressed like the "Fonz".

Anyway, just a note on the Friday of Cruiser weekend here in OC. Now, get in your 1966 Corvette, and come on down and buy somthing!    www.awisemove.net

After this latest BLAST of bone chilling weather it makes me really skeptical of all this Global warming stuff. But, I know nothing about it so be easy on the comments, and I really don't care to be Al Gored.

I can tell you this "Spring" has brought about some interesting news with the cruise ship sinking (along with my ACC in "The Tourney), Iran and the British hostages (boy, Iran take hostages...hhmm, strange), Rosie making absolutely idiotic statements (normal), and now the Beltway Madam threat....now this is gonna' be juicy.

C'mon warm weather and let's see that madams "black book".

www.awisemove.net

HB 448 is another "grab at consumers wallets" by our wonderful State Government. Thank you to the sponsors of yet another way to tax "services", which in turn must distribute some of the incurred cost to consumers, and still end up with deficits in the budget. THIS BILL IF IT PASSES WILL NEGATIVELY IMPACT ALL OF US, and ,as a Realtor will directly impact the following: -taxing all  real estate services will place affordable rentals and homes further out of reach of Marylanders. -landlords bottom lines will be impacted pressuring rent increases. -this bill would ultimately impact low to moderate income families the most Real Estate current contribution to the Maryland budget is $132 million alone from transfer taxes. At the local level transfer and recordation taxes have increased significantly and account for about $1 billion in revenue. So, far $500 million has been raised in State property taxes on residential housing. Remember the next time you go to the polls to cast your vote, and do not vote for the following sponsors of this bill. These are long term (or seeking to be) politicians who have no other agenda than to tax and spend and find more creative ways to spend our hard earned dollars. Dollars we all would love to turn back into our wonderful businesses, tourist attractions, and economy of this great State...and not flush into the black hole of spending that our government has returned (since this recent election).

The sponsors of this bill are : Delegate Jim Gilchrist, District 17 Delegate Sheila E. Hixson, District 20 Delegate Jolene Ivey, District 47 Delegate Anne R. Kaiser, District 14

Three Montgomery County politicians and one Prince Georges politician, to negatively impact ALL Marylanders and business owners. Way to go!

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Tax – General
11–101.
(m) “Taxable service” means:
(1) fabrication, printing, or production of tangible personal property by special order;

(2) commercial cleaning or laundering of textiles for a buyer who is engaged in a business that requires the recurring service of commercial cleaning or laundering of the textiles;
(3) cleaning of a commercial or industrial building;
(4) cellular telephone or other mobile telecommunications service;
(5) “900”, “976”, “915”, and other “900”–type telecommunications service;
(6) custom calling service provided in connection with basic telephone service;
(7) a telephone answering service;
(8) CABLE TELEVISION, INCLUDING pay per view television service;
(9) credit reporting;
(10) a security service, including:
(i) a detective, guard, or armored car service; and
(ii) a security systems service;
(11) a transportation service for transmission, distribution, or delivery of electricity or natural gas, if the sale or use of the electricity or natural gas is subject to the sales and use tax; [or]
(12) a prepaid telephone calling arrangement;
(13) A MOTOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR SERVICE,INCLUDING:
(I) A MOTOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR SERVICE CONTRACT OR EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT;
(II) MOTOR VEHICLE WASHING AND WAXING SERVICES;
(III) ROAD SERVICE AND TOWING SERVICE; AND
(IV) MOTOR VEHICLE PAINTING, RUSTPROOFING, AND UNDERCOATING;
(14) A PARKING FACILITY OR SERVICE;
(15) A BARBER OR BEAUTY SERVICE;
(16) A TANNING, MASSAGE, OR PHYSICAL FITNESS FACILITY OR SERVICE;
(17) A DOCKING OR LANDING SERVICE;
(18) AN ENGINEERING SERVICE;
(19) A STORAGE SERVICE, INCLUDING HOUSEHOLD GOODS STORAGE, MINISTORAGE, AND COLD STORAGE;
(20) A SHOE REPAIR SERVICE;
(21) A TAX PREPARATION SERVICE;
(22) A SAUNA OR STEAM BATH FACILITY OR SERVICE;
(23) A WEIGHING MACHINE SERVICE;
(24) A PUBLIC LOCKER RENTAL OR SERVICE;
(25) A DATING OR ESCORT SERVICE;
(26) A DIETING SERVICE;
(27) A DIRECT MAIL ADVERTISING SERVICE;
(28) A COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC OR ART SERVICE;
(29) A STENOGRAPHIC SERVICE;
(30) AN EXTERMINATING SERVICE;
(31) A PERSONNEL SUPPLY SERVICE, INCLUDING:
(I) AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY SERVICE; OR
(II) A TEMPORARY HELP SERVICE;
(32) A MANAGEMENT, MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, OR OTHER BUSINESS CONSULTING SERVICE;
(33) A REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICE;
(34) A TESTING LABORATORY SERVICE;
(35) A SIGN PAINTING SERVICE;
(36) AN INTERIOR DECORATING SERVICE;
(37) AN AUCTIONEERING SERVICE;
(38) A BUSINESS BROKERAGE SERVICE;
(39) A DRAFTING SERVICE;
(40) AN INDEPENDENT LECTURE BUREAU SERVICE;
(41) A PRINTING BROKERAGE SERVICE;
(42) A NOTARY PUBLIC SERVICE; OR
(43) A SHOP WINDOW DECORATING SERVICE. What service can you see, is suspiciously absent.... Legal Services? HHHMMM, thats odd? Sorry if this was a bit dry...but, this is very important.

GO TERPS!  and Colonials                                      
      www.awisemove.net

is the time to buy! This is what the media should be reporting considering rates are about 6.25% for a traditional loan and about 6.5% for a "jumbo"(usually between 415,000 and up) loan. This is still historically low and with all the homes/condos available, there has been no better time to contact a Realtor and get the process going.

And for the sellers out there the industry magazine shows that many Realtors are becoming increasingly "picky" when accepting listing agreements. Many agents are spending a lot of money and resources carrying listings, that are simply overpriced. Now, this may not be the sellers fault, the agent might not have as much experience as others, and produced a flawed competitive market analysis. Or, the sellers still think the home they are selling truly is $20,000 more than an identical property next door? My experience is there is some of both occurring in this market.

The market is turning the corner and savvy buyers see the opportunity, and are jumping back in! I will attempt to contribute monthly market updates from "down on the shore" here in Ocean City, MD.

Thanks and if you want some more info please check out www.awisemove.net or gimme a ring.

I quess being a business person and 21st Century human, it might be pushing "PC" of the day to express these greetings? But, I mean it and believe we should stand for what we believe. I also, wish all those of differing faiths a wonderful holiday season. Please, as Americans, be proud of your heritage, religion, and race regardless of the "polically correct" culture of today...and love and care for each other as humans and MOST importantly Americans! www.awisemove.net.

Just an observation from the Ocean City Realtor. Buyers are coming back to the resort markets! What a great time for them to return. Inventories are at a high, allowing the savvy buyer a choice and room to negotiate. Just make sure before you get involved in this buyers market contact the right Realtor, who lives in the area, and is experienced in the resort market. If you work with a Realtor in DC, they know the DC market, just as I know the OC market. Don't use me for DC, my experience is OC!

Check out my website http://www.awisemove.net or give me a call 443-614-4504 my name is Jay. Take care, and I look forward to hearing from you.

I am ignorant to the workings of networks and the affiliates, but I can tell you when I tuned in to see my "trusty" Fox 5 DC the other night you were gone. Gone like the summer crowds down here in Ocean City. Gone like the low housing inventory and yes, GONE like a sellers market.

What happened, after years of my last daily connection to DC? After all the only other news resources were the "local" stations (production values leave a lot to be desired) and Batimore (enough said, I'm from DC...no offense) stations.

Now, I tune in and its an imposter...Fox21..a "local" station pretending to be Fox5...hhmmm?? Somthings fishy. I want THE FOX 5 back, not the imposter.

Oh, well I'll always have the internet.

www.awisemove.net

This anniversary finds the country in a true fight for our freedom.For we live in a land that welcomes all and offers great opportunity, a land I cherish, a people I love. GOD Bless America and all for that she stands! GOD Bless our soldiers and leaders, and all that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The streets of America ARE paved in gold, but as we walk on them daily, they appear to be made of concrete...LOVE AMERICA...she is the best country on earth.

www.awisemove.net