Baseball was made for grass ..

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

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

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

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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.

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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 ?

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

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

Ocean City NJ Real Estate Market - Jan 2008

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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).

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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 -

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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 ..."

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