OceanCityNJ

Memorial Day Ceremony in Ocean City, NJ

2010-05-28T09:46:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid growing up in Ocean City ... On Memorial Day we'd put on our Little League uniforms and parade to Memorial field where there'd be a Memorial Day service. Selected Little Leaguer's would place wreaths on the markers as each Veteran's name was called. Afterward's we'd walk to the fields at 6th Street and the FIRST games of the season would be played.

This year Ocean City's Annual Memorial Day Service is scheduled for Monday, May 31 starting at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 5th and Wesley Ave.

The 2010 Memorial Day address will be given by Lt. Col. Peter F. Rapetti, Jr., an Operations and Intelligence Troop Command Officer. The Honor Roll naming those who died in the service of the United States will be read by Bob Marzulli, Commander Elect, American Legion Post 525 of Ocean City. Brandon E. Gheen, VFW Commander, will toll the Memorial Bell. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the Tabernacle Auditorium across the street from Veterans Memorial Park.

Baseball was made for grass ..

2008-03-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

Clearwater, Fla. - 82 degrees - a grass berm to watch baseball from ..... Priceless ........

From the time we landed in St. Pete until we flew out was just over 48 hours, just enough time to catch the Phils vs Rays in Bright House Field, (For about $11 you can sit (or lay) on the berms in the outfield - a great place to catch a tan and watch ) and see them play again the next day in historic Al Lang Field.

After watching the clubs split the two games I'm told "watch out for the Rays - they're an improved ballteam ... and this kid Longoria will be one to watch".

Jimmi Williams stopped by and signed a baseball for us, and we got a good look at Jamie Moyer and the backups when the "scheduled starters" stayed home in Clearwater.

Hey, maybe this'll become an annual event !!

The Boys of Summer

2008-03-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Growing Up at the South Jersey Shore meant rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies. I shared the passion with my grandfather, who took me to my first professional baseball game in Connie Mack Stadium (Shibe Park).

Many evenings, and Sundays, have been spent with an ear to the radio following the Phils, even in the lean years.

Eventually we became a family with a partial season ticket plan, making the one hour drive to the Vet and Citizen's Bank Park about 20 times each year.

After last Season's finish we just couldn't wait for the season to start - so my three sons and I are making the venture to Clearwater, Florida to watch the Phils play a pair of Spring Training games.

Opening Day looms just a few short weeks away - which is a SURE sign that Summer is right behind. Nothing beats a day at the beach, or an afternoon on the water with a hoagie and a Phillies broadcast on the radio.

Timing the Real Estate Market

2008-02-23T10:02:00.000-08:00

Ask anyone who owns a home : “What reasons prompted your purchase?” Most likely, "taking advantage of perfect market conditions" doesn’t rate very high.

The most important factor in buying or selling a home isn't what’s going on nationally - it is what is going on in any local market. Evaluating trends in an area you're looking to buy in is an essential step to creating long term wealth, whether you are in a buyer's or a seller's market.

You’ve probably heard, “Real Estate is Local.” Real estate sales in Ocean City, NJ, as reported by the South Jersey Shore MLS, increased by more than 10% in 2007 over 2006. More than 750 buyers knew that “timing the market” could delay their biggest long term investment portfolio asset – owning real estate.

Is buying a shore home right now a smart financial decision? Historically, property ownership seems key to building long-term wealth. Over time, most shore homes steadily build equity. Real estate can become the largest asset in your investment portfolio.

Today’s favorable interest rates are allowing many buyer’s monthly payments to be lower than they’ve been in years, and there’s a healthy inventory of homes for sale in Ocean City in almost every price range…. And be advised that the BEST listings aren’t hanging around very long these days …

If your current or future goals include a home at the shore “Ocean City is Worth Another Look”. And if now just doesn’t seem right, remember that your Realtor can be a valuable resource, and stay in touch, because “Real Estate is Local” and historically, purchasing a home has been a good long-term investment for families like yours.

To search for YOUR Dream Home at the shore, visit OCNJ4Sale.com

A Journal of Ocean City Memories

2008-02-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

If you've got a memory of Ocean City, New Jersey you'd like to share you might want to visit OCNJMemories.com. It's a blog designed especially for posting memories, stories and tales of Ocean City, New Jersey.

Maybe you've got an anecdote about a family home, or a favorite place you've owned or rented ... Remember Chris's Restaurant, Watsons, the Life Guard tower or the "old days" when the Sunday blue laws were in effect ?

And it's okay if you just want read OTHER people's posts.

... and don't forget to visit again later to read new postings ...... OCNJMemories.com

Ocean City NJ Real Estate Market - Jan 2008

2008-01-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

Ocean City, New Jersey - There IS Good News from the Jersey Shore regarding the real estate market ! Last year's sales volume increased better than 10 % over the year before, due to adjusting prices, attractive interest rates ( 30 year fixed under 5.75% today ), and a healthy inventory (more choices for buyers).

As expected, there are still pockets of real estate still experiencing sluggish results - Too much supply and not enough demand for property priced above $900,000 - However, no matter WHAT price range you're looking at, there IS activity - and homes/condos ARE selling -

If you're still deciding on whether to buy Ocean City real estate priced from $300,000 to $600,000 here's my advice - "Don't take TOO long to sleep ON it, or you may not get to sleep IN it ..."

For a search of Ocean City real estate available today visit Beach4Sale.com

100 Days of Summer

2007-08-31T11:07:00.000-07:00

Ocean City, NJ - It happens every year - Suddenly it's Labor Day weekend and I realize we need to cram a few more boardwalk visits and beach sessions into the summer before the sun sets on Monday.

Having six kids between the ages of 6 and 21 you can imagine the variety of activities we get involved in ! Of course, there's the "normal" shore activities - little league, crew camp, summer jobs and lots of afternoons at GrandMoms house.

"Summer Vacation" for us means a trip AWAY from the shore - Central and Eastern Virginia for a visit to Jamestown and Yorktown (a history lesson during the day and a dip in the pool at night) and a few Civil War battlefields. Locally a Sunday trip down Route 9 to Historic Cold Spring Village could ALMOST deliver the same lessons - if you like history and have never visited them you should add it your list of things to do - they host a few Civil War weekends and Encampments, a revolutionary weekend and a lot more - even a model train weekend - you'll find them online at http://www.hcsv.org.

Another great way to spend an afternoon is to visit the Cape May County Zoo -our 6 year old never tires of the place. It's less than a half hours drive from Ocean City, down the Garden State Parkway.

We launched the kayaks (4) a few weeks ago and made a few trips exploring the streams near the 34th Street bridge - next year we'll go more often and try our hand at crab traps.

Julie (6) got a REAL kick out of a visit to Cowtown one Saturday night - it's a bit of a hike but well within a reasonable drive from the shore.

Of course, for us natives, September and October have a lot to offer - cooler weather, sales in the shops, warm water, and a lot less traffic.

The fall is a great time to visit Ocean City, maybe spend a few nights at a B & B and enjoy the weekend activities and find a new place to dine.

Tuesday night after Labor Day is shaping up as a Miniature Golf and Go Cart night, with a ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl almost a guarantee.

Now if the Phils can just made the playoffs, like the AC Surf did, it'll make for some more great memories of the summer of '07.

The Ocean City NJ Real Estate Market (Feb 2007)

2007-02-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

Ocean City, New Jersey – If activity the past few weekends is any indication of where the real estate market is in Ocean City 2007 should shape up to be better than 2006. Better for buyers anyway – SELLING prices are back to levels we haven’t seen in several years, and Sellers who have grasped the reality of the market and made adjustments in their pricing are seeing offers and getting contracts.

Potential sellers holding onto their pricing based on ‘wanna gets” instead of “can get” may have a long wait – there’s enough inventory out there today to last almost two years according to the volume of 2006 transactions.

Properties that are properly priced and in GOOD condition, ( particularly under $600,000 ) are seeing the bulk of the activity – which is confirmed by the feedback we’re getting from Title Agencies and Mortgage Companies.

… and there’s a GREAT selection of property under $600,000 !

Beware, however, that potential sellers that think that this translates into an appreciating market may be missing the point – Buyers want validation in their purchases and prices need to plateau a while to rebuild confidence in the real estate market.

The GOOD news is that interest is building, and Ocean City offers a community that prides itself on family amenities and family values – where better to spend a week, a month or a lifetime building memories than at the South Jersey Shore.

For a search of Ocean City real estate available visit http://www.beach4sale.com/