Santa wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from beautiful Ocean City.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Ocean City Inlet
I talk about Ocean City exclusively on this Blog, and I realized there might be someone out there in the world that has never had the opportunity or pleasure to visit here and enjoy all our town has to offer, so from now on I will try and include some photos along with my messages.
This view is taken from about 1,000 yards off of the beach while my family was out for a ride to find some Dolphins- we only saw Five that day, but it was a thrill!
Even if you do not have your own boat, there are places you can rent one, or just take one of a number of joy rides, such as the " THRILLER", or "OC ROCKET"- both are fast and my Grandson loves them! Enjoy!!
Santa Claus
All I need to know about Life - I Learned from Santa Claus
-Encourage people to believe in you.
-Always remember who's naughty and who's nice.
-It's as much fun to give as it is to receive.
-Some days it's OK to feel a little chubby.
-Don't pout.
-Make your presents known.
-Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want.
-Bright red can make anyone look good.
-Wear a wide belt and no one will notice how many pounds you've gained.
-If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you're very important.
-Whenever you're at a loss for words, say, "HO ho ho!"
Have a great Holiday season!
-Encourage people to believe in you.
-Always remember who's naughty and who's nice.
-It's as much fun to give as it is to receive.
-Some days it's OK to feel a little chubby.
-Don't pout.
-Make your presents known.
-Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want.
-Bright red can make anyone look good.
-Wear a wide belt and no one will notice how many pounds you've gained.
-If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you're very important.
-Whenever you're at a loss for words, say, "HO ho ho!"
Have a great Holiday season!
Winterfest of Lights
The Holiday Season was kicked off this week with the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Northside Park here in Ocean City. At the same time all of the decorations at Northside Park and throughout the entire city were lighted to mark the official Winterfest of Lights Festival that will continue until after New Years Day. Santa arrived by horse drawn buggy and will be at Northside Park to greet young and old alike. Take a ride on the shuttle to check out the displays and have a hot chocolate while you wait to have your picture taken with Santa Claus.
As you drive south to the Boardwalk, you are able to drive through another light display while staying in your car. Gather up copies of the free papers offered throughout the resort and see all of the events offered during your visit. Don't forget to take advantage of the off-season meal deals that all of the restaurants offer during this season.
Those of us that live at the Beach have an opportunity to enjoy all of the events offered throughout the year, and we know how fortunate we are for that. Have you considered hopping off the fence and joining us as a neighbor in Ocean City? The prices for properties are depressed, there is lots of inventory to choose from, and the interest rates are most favorable- so what other concerns do you have that I can help you solve?
Have a great Thanksgiving!
As you drive south to the Boardwalk, you are able to drive through another light display while staying in your car. Gather up copies of the free papers offered throughout the resort and see all of the events offered during your visit. Don't forget to take advantage of the off-season meal deals that all of the restaurants offer during this season.
Those of us that live at the Beach have an opportunity to enjoy all of the events offered throughout the year, and we know how fortunate we are for that. Have you considered hopping off the fence and joining us as a neighbor in Ocean City? The prices for properties are depressed, there is lots of inventory to choose from, and the interest rates are most favorable- so what other concerns do you have that I can help you solve?
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Post Election Update
Hello Readers! Most of the election results are in, and president-elect Obama has Won. The hope of all who had voted is that he will succeed in fullfilling his promises made during his campaign. It will be a very difficult task even if he gets complete backing from Congress. On Election day the stock markets showed backing for his being ahead and the market rose 5%. The following day the market fell by 4% and as of this moment the market is down another 4.5%. In the days that follow we will eventually discover the trend- whether up or down. As I have discussed previously, I think the markets will start to re-bound in January and we will then see the stock market and the housing market begin to make that slow crawl back out of the basement.
During the Fall and winter season in Ocean City we have many SPECIALS, such as: Waterman's- Mon. 12.95 specials(steak and Shrimp, fried stuffed Shrimp), Tues 1/2 price entrees, Wed. $12.95 Specials(prime Rib, Haddock dinner)
Carousel- Tues. $5. Burger Night, Everyday till 7p.m. choice of 10 entrees $10.00 each
Olive Tree- Sunday free spaghetti night, just buy all-you-can-eat salad and bread sticks for $4.95, Mon. 1/2 off second entree, Thurs 1.2 priced bottle of wine
Coins- Tues,Thurs & Sunday, 1/2 priced dinner entrees 5-9 p.m.
Adolfo's- Wed & Thurs, 1/2 price menu, Thurs AUCE Spaghetti & meatballs
Tequila Mockingbird-Mon. ,Taco night 6-10 p.m. $1.25 beef, chicken, bean, or pork tacos
Osteria Fraschetti- Sun-Thurs choice of 12 entrees for $12.95
DeNovo's- Mon.,Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan over pasta $9.95, Thurs., a 14oz. certified angus strip steak w/baked potato $14.95
Long and Foster Real Estate will be collecting Toys-for Tots for the Marines again this Season, drop off can be made at my office in Ocean City, Maryland at 11701 Coastal Highway, or if you are located in other parts of our country bring the toys to your local drop off spot, most important-participate! Enjoy!
During the Fall and winter season in Ocean City we have many SPECIALS, such as: Waterman's- Mon. 12.95 specials(steak and Shrimp, fried stuffed Shrimp), Tues 1/2 price entrees, Wed. $12.95 Specials(prime Rib, Haddock dinner)
Carousel- Tues. $5. Burger Night, Everyday till 7p.m. choice of 10 entrees $10.00 each
Olive Tree- Sunday free spaghetti night, just buy all-you-can-eat salad and bread sticks for $4.95, Mon. 1/2 off second entree, Thurs 1.2 priced bottle of wine
Coins- Tues,Thurs & Sunday, 1/2 priced dinner entrees 5-9 p.m.
Adolfo's- Wed & Thurs, 1/2 price menu, Thurs AUCE Spaghetti & meatballs
Tequila Mockingbird-Mon. ,Taco night 6-10 p.m. $1.25 beef, chicken, bean, or pork tacos
Osteria Fraschetti- Sun-Thurs choice of 12 entrees for $12.95
DeNovo's- Mon.,Chicken or Eggplant Parmesan over pasta $9.95, Thurs., a 14oz. certified angus strip steak w/baked potato $14.95
Long and Foster Real Estate will be collecting Toys-for Tots for the Marines again this Season, drop off can be made at my office in Ocean City, Maryland at 11701 Coastal Highway, or if you are located in other parts of our country bring the toys to your local drop off spot, most important-participate! Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
For the Home Buyer
This Post is directed information for a Home Buyer, but any information can usually be helpful for us all.
You first need to know your affordable price range, and then be pre-qualified or better be pre-approved for that amount of Loan. Most important- make sure that Loan amount makes sense to you in a Monthly payment -because everyone's circumstances are different. How much can you afford? The key items are the size of the down payment, interest rate, any monthly property fees, and the amount of the mortgage. Caution! You will need money to pay for closing costs, moving, appliances, household setup, and a reserve for family emergencies.
Now, start the property Hunt. Take your time, remember what appeals to you as a Buyer today will probably also appeal to buyers tomorrow. Okay, You've found it- your "dream House"! Now what? You make an offer by submitting a signed real estate offer to purchase with the type of financing you desire. ( this will become the sales contract once the Seller accepts). Always read and understand every detail, and any verbal agreements should be written into the contract.
Sales contracts differ from one area to another, but several provisions should be included in the purchase of real estate. These are:
1. Deposit "earnest money", usually 1-2% of the purchase price, deposited in escrow, and
applied as down payment at settlement
2. Contingency on Financing- Be specific about the total loan amount and the exact financing
terms.
3. Contingency on Inspection- You have the choice ( at your expense) to have a building
inspection.
4. Termites- You should have a written report at settlement stating the property is free and clear of any active termite infestation.( the area determines who pays for
this inspection)
5. Personal Property- Any items to be conveyed that aren't physically attached should be in
writing.
6. Repair work- A "pre-settlement walk-through inspection" should be made days before
settlement to determine if the major systems are operating, ie. Heating,
plumbing, etc.
7. Title Insurance- the buyer has the right to choose the title attorney or insurance
company, be sure and clear the company with your lender.
8. Closing and Occupancy Date- When you choose your settlement date "closing date"
Be sure to include an agrrangement with the seller in the event you can't
secure possession on the agreed date, such as a daily rent-back agreement
for "post-settlement occupancy"
Remember- shop smart for the right loan. You have the option of shopping for the best terms you can obtain. Generally, a mortgage acceptance requires 15-30 days for conventional, 30-45 days for VA and FHA from application to approval. In some cases, loans may be approved more quickly. Prosperity Mortgage Company is a Long and Foster and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Company.
Some Questions you should ask most lenders.
1. Are both fixed-rate and adjustable mortgage loans available?
2. What is the interest rate?
3. What are the "points"?
4. How long can I "lock-in" the financing at the current interest rate?
5. What are the other fees a lender may charge me in conjunctin with my loan?
6. Are funds for a second mortgage available?
7. Is there a pre-payment penalty clause?
8. Is there an open-end? This clause in a mortgage allows you to borrow in the future for improvements or other purposes, up to the amount of principal you've paid off.
9. If you sell your house, will the buyer be able to assume your mortgage at the same interest rate?
10. Will the lender require mortgage insurance?
I hope this information will be a help to you- See you next Time!
You first need to know your affordable price range, and then be pre-qualified or better be pre-approved for that amount of Loan. Most important- make sure that Loan amount makes sense to you in a Monthly payment -because everyone's circumstances are different. How much can you afford? The key items are the size of the down payment, interest rate, any monthly property fees, and the amount of the mortgage. Caution! You will need money to pay for closing costs, moving, appliances, household setup, and a reserve for family emergencies.
Now, start the property Hunt. Take your time, remember what appeals to you as a Buyer today will probably also appeal to buyers tomorrow. Okay, You've found it- your "dream House"! Now what? You make an offer by submitting a signed real estate offer to purchase with the type of financing you desire. ( this will become the sales contract once the Seller accepts). Always read and understand every detail, and any verbal agreements should be written into the contract.
Sales contracts differ from one area to another, but several provisions should be included in the purchase of real estate. These are:
1. Deposit "earnest money", usually 1-2% of the purchase price, deposited in escrow, and
applied as down payment at settlement
2. Contingency on Financing- Be specific about the total loan amount and the exact financing
terms.
3. Contingency on Inspection- You have the choice ( at your expense) to have a building
inspection.
4. Termites- You should have a written report at settlement stating the property is free and clear of any active termite infestation.( the area determines who pays for
this inspection)
5. Personal Property- Any items to be conveyed that aren't physically attached should be in
writing.
6. Repair work- A "pre-settlement walk-through inspection" should be made days before
settlement to determine if the major systems are operating, ie. Heating,
plumbing, etc.
7. Title Insurance- the buyer has the right to choose the title attorney or insurance
company, be sure and clear the company with your lender.
8. Closing and Occupancy Date- When you choose your settlement date "closing date"
Be sure to include an agrrangement with the seller in the event you can't
secure possession on the agreed date, such as a daily rent-back agreement
for "post-settlement occupancy"
Remember- shop smart for the right loan. You have the option of shopping for the best terms you can obtain. Generally, a mortgage acceptance requires 15-30 days for conventional, 30-45 days for VA and FHA from application to approval. In some cases, loans may be approved more quickly. Prosperity Mortgage Company is a Long and Foster and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Company.
Some Questions you should ask most lenders.
1. Are both fixed-rate and adjustable mortgage loans available?
2. What is the interest rate?
3. What are the "points"?
4. How long can I "lock-in" the financing at the current interest rate?
5. What are the other fees a lender may charge me in conjunctin with my loan?
6. Are funds for a second mortgage available?
7. Is there a pre-payment penalty clause?
8. Is there an open-end? This clause in a mortgage allows you to borrow in the future for improvements or other purposes, up to the amount of principal you've paid off.
9. If you sell your house, will the buyer be able to assume your mortgage at the same interest rate?
10. Will the lender require mortgage insurance?
I hope this information will be a help to you- See you next Time!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Pre Election Post
Hi! Tomorrow is November 4th- Election Day and all of the poll forcasts predict a huge turnout, be sure you are one of those voting to choose what direction our country will take for the next Four or Eight years. I look forward to the end of the campaigning and the constant trashing of each other, I never could understand why each man couldn't state what he stood for and what he wanted to do if elected, and then explain how he intended to accomplish his plan. Instead they both get to acting just like grade school kids- "he did that" or "he said that" what a shame for our leaders to have to conduct themselves in that manner! Enough of that.
The good news is that after the election the focus will shift from running for office to the issues again- War, Economy, Health Care etc., and just maybe we can make some headway in the forward direction and get some solid answers to our global problems. Locally in Ocean City Buyers and Sellers seem to have been in a holding pattern over the past few weeks waiting for the election outcome. Inventory is now priced correctly and the interest rates are at 6% plus or minus paying a point for a lower rate. I will post an update to this Blog after the Election. Enjoy
The good news is that after the election the focus will shift from running for office to the issues again- War, Economy, Health Care etc., and just maybe we can make some headway in the forward direction and get some solid answers to our global problems. Locally in Ocean City Buyers and Sellers seem to have been in a holding pattern over the past few weeks waiting for the election outcome. Inventory is now priced correctly and the interest rates are at 6% plus or minus paying a point for a lower rate. I will post an update to this Blog after the Election. Enjoy
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