A Wise Move

A Contribution to Earth Day!

2010-04-27T11:28:00.004-04:00

Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we’ve become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being “green” with these five tips:

Change Your Light Bulbs
By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.

Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances
ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.

Seal Up
Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won’t shrink or crack, creating less waste.

Use Less Water
Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.

Adjust the Thermostat
When adjusting your home’s thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a “greener” place.

Policia Shakedown

2010-03-24T20:59:00.004-04:00

So we were at the end of a wonderful vacation in Baja California Sur, it was Friday...and gorgeous! We rented a hot ride for a day trip to....La Paz (I know, why? Well on the way is Todos Santos, more on that inna' second).

So, in the car we were (myself, Barb and Kimberley) and off we go, in Mexican traffic....thats a whole chapter in a book I would never write. A hint: no lane markings, no transitions from paved to dirt at 80 km per hour, two lane traffic over blind hills/mountains with fuel trucks passing in the opposite lanes, roadside memorials-literally every 50 yards or so, four lane highways with livestock roaming around in traffic lanes...you get the point...I was stressed! Anyway my enthusiastic carmates (one being my lovely wife), lost the enthusiasm about an hour into this road trip and fell fast asleep. So, I was left to worry about getting to La Paz safely...and with what I hinted at above, not likely.

First stop on the tour was Todos Santos, and what a pretty little clean town. Todos Santos is known to most of us because it is home to the Eagles Hotel California...and the lyrics fit when seeing the town first hand. We, unfortunately breezed through on our determined quest to reach La Paz (again why...?).

On through another stretch of mountainous, desert terrain and zillions of cactus. The upside to this portion of the trip was an actual highway (that most resembled our U.S. highways) , well a highway with goats and cows walking free among cars, motorcycles and tractor trailers driving anywhere between 45 mph (me) and 130 mph (everyone else). Weird.....boy am I glad I live in the United States.

So, here we are entering the metropolis of La Paz....finally...and if I had hair I would have some gray after this journey. Well, La Paz was everything that Los Cabos up to Todos Santos was not....a ugly and congested city. WHY did we make that trip on our last day....we stopped at a mall, which resembled a bizarro world version of a US mall. The movie theatre rivaled a mega plex theatre here, only there were strange things you would never see here (like a elevator with no doors and fully functional). Well the bathrooms were clean and this was the primary reason for our stop...now it is time to leave La Paz.

Now I am so happy to be heading back to Los Cabos...and trying to navigate, super chaotic La Paz traffic. I come to an intersection devoid of any control or organization (I am sure a bit of a mirror reflection of the government in general). As I drive through the intersection in our RED Chevy compact with Big White Letters "National Rental Car" translates to "foreigners with money you can take"...care to guess? YEP, you are Correct, I get pulled over by the Policia. Great, all of the stuff I've heard and read about the corrupt Mexican Police...I get to experience with Barb and Kimberley.

At this point everything from being taken into the desert and shot while "who knows what happens" to the girls, to being thrown in a Mexican prison, to being extorted for all the cash/credit and stuff we had on us and the most remote of my thoughts, maybe they are honest. A sad reflection on a country that relies so heavily on tourist, U.S. Tourism....here that Mexico. Well, after the "Policeman" told me it was a $110 fine but if I paid him $80 he would let me go. I told him I couldn't help him because we didn't have that amount on us (a lie), and that I was at his mercy...maybe we should just go to the station (this is what many recommend and I had read about this tactic). He then had his buddy (Policeman) come over and they had a discussion. His buddy conveniently blocked the side rear passenger window with his body and "Officer Friendly" leaned in and said, "Forty US".....(I felt like punching his little fat face). I relented and said that was all the money we had, ..he could care less. I paid him his precious forty dollars and he gave me back my license. Thank you La Paz..Thank You Mexico.

Well we headed back through much of the same experiences I described above and this time we stopped in Todos Santos. My attitude lightened immediately, this is a pretty town, one that we have all seen in paintings of old Mexico....or ones we have imagined with the hammocks hanging out front, panchos slung over stools and open air taco stands. Just a nice place, with equally nice people. Right in the middle of town sat the beautiful Hotel California and I couldn't get the song out of my head...."such a lovely place (such a lovely place)...." Well, the girls shopped with the cash the cop didn't steal from us and I took in the beauty of the town. I would recommend a road trip from Cabo to Todos Santos to everyone...just stop there, thats where the fun ends and the real Mexico begins.

As we walked back to the "Gringo" mobile, I inhaled a bit nervously as I walked past a Todos Santos Policia Man.... He smiled and said "Hola"....I smiled ,and exhaled, and said "Hi". All is good again. But, isn't it ashame we are made to feel this way as visitors?

Adios!

Cabo (maybe Wabo as well)

2010-03-12T17:02:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow Barbi and I leave for a week South of the Border, Cabo San Lucas Mexico! It will be so very nice to lie in the sun, and decompress with the wonderful memories of our little "Gracie" who we lost on February 22nd - suddenly and tragically. She was our sweet Sheltie Angel and a child to us. R.I.P. Gracie....we Love and Miss You more than you can imagine, and are Greatful for the 9 years we had together. See you at Rainbow Bridge "Gracie girl"....

Social Media...BAM!

2010-03-08T16:25:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8&feature=fvst Ok I hope you watched that!? If you are in business, you really have to take part in this newest and fastest growing of "Branding". If not you will be left behind, I'm afraid.......

On another note, I am going to TRY to keep this BLOG current- UGH:)

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who are not." - Thomas Jefferson

2009-03-11T08:57:00.000-04:00

*I pulled this from an email thread that has been circulating- It is a GREAT read/lesson*

To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.

However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.

First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.

However, what you don't see is the back story.

I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.

My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.

So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.

Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.

Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.

Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:

I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.

The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.

The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.

Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.

When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.

So where am I going with all this?

It's quite simple.

If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more.

Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.

If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....

Signed,
Your boss

Where Is the Reward?

2009-03-04T17:28:00.000-05:00

Reward...well we probably won't see one? You may ask for what, Jay....why should we receive an award? Well, you are probably like me and over 90% of mortgage holders in the U.S.. We, you an I, and the other 90+% of us....we pay our mortgages!

Our mortgages that we work so hard to pay to our lenders, many of which also have "other" customers....yes, you know the ones. These are the customers that don't pay their mortgage's, the same people that were approved a few years back (in the good 'ole days), of course through "no fault of their own". Of course they didn't know that a combined salary of $50,000 a year couldn't support mortgage payments on a home valued/bought for $600,000...of course they didn't realize that they along with deceptive loan officers and underwriters, may have "just mistakenly" slipped a "1" in front of the $50,000...in the application.I do understand that ARM's (not in the anatomical) in lending terms can be confusing on the surface, and maybe a thorough understanding of such a "magical" loan should have been explained/explored....maybe even read by the borrower? I understand there are/were less than professional real estate sales people, many unethical mortgage brokers...and a whole lot of home buyers that are now pleading ignorance/confusion/being "hoodwinked" and or all of the above.

Well, the government believes you, and we (the other ones...the ones that pay our mortgage(s), and pay our taxe(S)will support you ,all the while paying for the mistakes, lies, poor decisions, illegal practices of others.

President Obama, Speaker Pelosi....Representatives and Senators I...WE, ask where is our reward for playing by the rules?

GoodNews....really?

2008-11-01T22:14:00.000-04:00

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

1st Time Buyer Tips!

2008-10-28T13:56:00.000-04:00

Home-price adjustments in markets around the country have opened doors of opportunity for many renters. If you are transitioning from renter to homeowner, the prospect of making such a large investment may be exciting, while at the same time overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are six common mistakes to avoid.

1. Not understanding the homebuying process. Educate yourself. Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Web site (http://www.hud.gov/) has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, mortgage and home-buying programs information, downloadable tools such as a wish list and home-shopping checklist, tips on selecting a real estate professional, etc. Likewise, Prudential Real Estate’s popular Web site, prudential.com/realestate, offers consumers brand-new tools for the homebuying process, such as free home environmental reports, Value Range Estimates and Property Profiles, among other resources.

2. Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the homebuying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions. Don’t hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose a sales professional who is willing to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at each step—from house hunting, to making an offer to the closing. Remember, this is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, so you want to have a clear understanding of what’s going on.

3. Buying on impulse. Don't feel pressured into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers, may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to make a bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer. But don't wait too long to make an offer. The longer you wait, the greater the chance other prospective buyers may place offers, making it harder for you to negotiate a good deal.

4. Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting pre-qualified to so get an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, private mortgage insurance (PMI) and maintenance.

5. Not planning ahead. Think about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. For instance, are you starting a family, and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you’ll be relocating in a few year, you’ll probably want to pay closer attention to appreciation and resale value. If a double-income is necessary to qualify for financing and to make your payments, do your plans foresee an income sufficient to continue making payments?

6. Failure to focus on location. Don’t just focus on the house. Examine the community. Does it suit your lifestyle? Is the area safe, well-maintained, close to work, stores and schools? Find out about zoning and what new construction is planned on vacant land in the immediate area. Also consider the property marketability when it’s time to sell.Above all, remember knowledge is key. No question is a silly question. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the home-buying process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.

Molecular Dislocation!

2008-09-24T11:52:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, as a wide eyed youth attempting to become a muscular young man I decended upon the World Gym (long gone) at Wheaton Plaza. As I entered I was hit with the "clanging" of wieghts, bright colors of the gym clothes of the "era" (thank GOD they are long gone) and the distinct smell of a locker room et al. Anyway, I jumped in to the scene...of, molecular dislocation.

This is a term used by my favorite radio personality, or BOSS JOCK, the Greaseman"! Who as it turned out would ultimately join my new favorite place to hang out...World Gym.

Well, the ole' gym crowd was filled with "personalities"...not necessarily famous...just personalities. You had the hair plugged late fifties guys, the make-up laden house wives/or ex-housewives- spandex and all, the young aspiring football/baseball jock kids (me and friends), the actual fitness freaks spending hours on treadmills and aerobic classes, and the hero's of the day (sadly) the JUICERS....although at the time I (among my peers) did not no they were?

Anyhow, at the gym (I had become quite the gym rat) I had a chance to "spot" (term for watching/helping someone while they were lifting heavy wieghts) a man who was very nice and altogether familiar...his voice was anyway. I dared to ask him if I knew him and he said his name is Doug, but he is known as "The Greaseman"....WHAT! Are you kiddin me, unbelievable , I knew (me the teenage Jay...pimples and all) the freakin' Greaseman..."Nino" the BOSS JOCK himself...wow. And beyond all of this he was a cool, nice down to earth guy, who after the initial "wow" factor wore off became just a friend at the gym to me.

I worked summers in Ocean City, MD (my home now) and the Grease's Band played at a local bar...I went and met the Grease there...and what instant cred that gave a single summer cop that night? I don't need to say anymore. The picture is of me, The Greaseman and a good friend and old supervisor of mine Timmy Keane the night of the show.

How glad i am to hear the Grease is back "at home" with DC-101 on Saturday mornings! When I am in the DC area I won't miss his broadcasts....unique and creative....everything that is missing from all the other morning garbage shows nowadays. Thanks Grease you made an impression on an old gym rat now...when you are in Ocean City look me up...and we'll head over to 67th St...where I still workout at World Gym. Now, I am afraid to admit I fall into some kids list of "personalities" at the gym....

OH...GO TERPS!! Beat Clemson!

http://www.awisemove.net/

Gameday Approaches GO TERPS!

2008-08-29T08:19:00.000-04:00

Well, as summer winds down here on the beautiful beaches of Ocean City, Maryland...and students pack up and leave for college, foriegn workers pack up and leave for Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Nepal, etc....I will be packin' up to head to College Park- FOR TERP FOOTBALL!! Ah, the smell of sausages cookin' on grills, the snap of a cold beer being opened (no more kegs saddens me) , a sea of red clad people (old and young), did I mention the smell of sausage?

The season looks promising with a bunch of returning starters and a linebacking corps like no other in the ACC! Jordan Steffy will get another shot to start the season, and will not dissapoint...with the addition of James Franklin as the new Asst. Head coach and running the offence. The FRIDGE can do what he does best oversee the Team and Coaches and take the TERPS to the ACC Championship!

Bring on the Blue Hens, California, BC, FSU, Clemson and Virginia Tech...woooo weee what a schedule, it's gotta' be one of the toughest?

If you can't get to the games because you are in Ocean City, buying a great condo...here are the radio stations you can catch the games this year: WQMR 101.1 FM Ocean City & WTGM AM 960 Salisbury.

Verizon Never Again.

2008-06-23T14:39:00.000-04:00

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.

http://www.awisemove.net/

Classic Nor' Easter in OC

2008-04-09T11:47:00.000-04:00

Here a Pic from my office today...yuck..lookin North on Coastal Hwy

Eiyy yii yii, what a slog it has been since Saturday night. The onset and typical stall of a strong Nor' East wind.

As I watched the news (all of 'em) Fox, Weather Channel, the local Eastern Shore stations...., had the same forecasts. They were for rain for a day or so....then sun and warmer weather. Ah, the thought was nice- and I certainly am a fan for seeing the glass as half full at all times. BUT, now heres a big BUT, the wind had shifted offshore from the Northeast. Well, I am noooo meteorologist/weatherman or qualified as anything close....BUT I have lived on the coast for a long time. And , everyone I know who has lived here any substantial amount of time- can tell you- when this happens we're in for a stretch of cold, rainy, dark and miserable days. This is a Nor' Easter.

I know I shouldn't infer that I can forecast weather ('cause I can't) BUT, this scenario usually happens- and it seems the forecasters always blame the mountains....I blame the Mountains to the west and the Strong Northeast wind holding the fronts? I'd love to know if this makes sense.

Well, for my glass half full part....it has been four days and counting (we Ocean Cityers usually say these last five) soon there will be SUN, FUN and Spring to be enjoyed! So, come on down.

Fire on the Boardwalk

2008-04-01T09:15:00.000-04:00

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'.

Easter Egg Hunt!

2008-03-24T12:26:00.000-04:00

We had a fun day this past Saturday at our (Prudential Carruthers REALTORS) West Ocean City Office. The fun was watching at least sixty kids run around during our 1st Annual Easter Egg Hunt! We also had a yard sale that ran in conjunction with the Easter Egg Hunt.

I quess the highlight for me was hangin' out with "Sherman" the Shorebird.... Okay, I know "who" and "what" is Sherman. Sherman is the mascot for the local Baltimore Orioles Class A minor league team...The Delmarva Shorebirds. The kids loved his appearance as did all the motorist driving east on Rt 50 (horns honking and grown men shouting, "GO SHERMAN!!". I know I had a great time...I'm pictured with Sherman and a knit cap I was attempting to sell....but considering it was chilly, I wore it to keep my bald head warm.

This was just a quick post to keep me in line...and posting, I'll have some more interesting stuff lata'...so lata' Jay

Good Friday....Great Friday!

2008-03-21T09:43:00.000-04:00

I hope you all are getting set to enjoy this upcoming weekend? Ready for church, cookouts, fun, and of course NCAA basketball!!

I've been on a week long roll with this whole "BLOG" deal....and I figured I'd keep it moving. So, this will be a brief update on, alas real estate , here in Ocean City, MD.

BUYERS MARKET IT IS....now, for sure- even if you are soooo sick of hearing this ,often abused, saying! Well, just to give you the abridged version of our buyers market here ya' go: In our beautiful resort of OC there are over 1600 that's right, one thousand six hundred CONDOMINIUMS FOR SALE! That is a huge number....now couple that with the latest from my number one Mortgage Banker Brian Roberts, "The good news is that rates are really good going into the weekend. Rates changed twice again today on the upside to leave us at 5.75% for purchases with zero points. If your clients are interested in ARMS tell them no since the spread on ARMS is not attractive. The 30 year and the 30 Year Interest Only are still the two programs to go with."

Okay, what all that mess means is, IF, you have the money to put down 10-25% and good credit and job standing you will get the deal of a lifetime! Money is cheap right now, but lender's are doing thier due diligence in qualifying people...as they should have been long before the subprime mess. Remember if you have the cash (I wish I did?) to purchase without a loan...pay for a professional appraisal...you will be glad you did. Oh, and make it a contingency in any sales agreement!

Okay, thats my Good Friday insight on the "Buyers Market", now here is another couple pictures from our recent cruise....ahhhh- still daydreaming....

St. Patty's Day and Easter

2008-03-17T11:46:00.000-04:00

Okay, Okay....I keep wishing I was back on the Carnival Freedom, drinking a grenandine laden fruity (low in alcohol-high in price) "foo-foo" drink. But, I am here in Ocean City adding a new blog to my short collection.

This weekend was fun as Barb and I met friends for a Saturday celebration of St Patty's Day. Forgetting that Barb and I very little, if any Irish, heritage...we celebrated like we were fresh of a cruise ship from Dublin!! Starting with the Irish tradition of Bloody Marys(?), through Harps and many assorted other psuedo Irish traditions (car bombs...etc.) we had a blast.

The "huge" Ocean City, Md St. Patty's parade at 45th Street was a good time to mingle, and catch up with folks. Then we paraded north to 49th Street (guess where?) yep, Seacrets...for most of the rest of our green day. Beyond Seacrets my memory gets hazy...so, off into Spring we go!

This weekend we look forward to Good Friday, Easter and of course SPRING!!! Yee- Haaa....Just mentioning Spring puts a smile on my face. If anyone reads this and would like to join us at what will become a Spring Tradition...please come. On Saturday (22nd) at 10 am at our West OC office we will have a family friendly Easter Egg Hunt with prizes for the kids and a yard sale for the adults...and kids! All the proceeds from the Yard Sale will Benefit our favorite charity the Sunshine Kids!! I would love to see anyone there that mentions my BLOG...I think I'm the only reader??

Til' next time- Jay

FREEDOM!!!

2008-03-14T13:32:00.000-04:00

Freedom we found to be a huge Carnival Cruise Ship that we just disembarked! Man, huge doesn't give this ship any justice on the "Big" meter! Barb and I had a great trip, stopping in Cozumel to swim with dolphins. Next up was Cayman Islands to visit Seven Mile Beach (not to be confused with 8 Mile in Detroit) and a longggggg visit with Breezes Bar. Then we were off to Jamaica, pretty island but the citizens are not a positive for there tourist industry, for sure. Pushy people, that made an idealic island, more like a deli in New York City.
As for the Cruise Director, man was I impressed. This guy's name is John Heald
and the poor guy came down with Bells Palsy on our first day. Apparently this is a very painful, and not to mention temporarily disfiguring condition, and he carried on through the entire week! Whatta' guy, tremendous asset to Carnival...when you get a sec....check out his blog.
Well, now I am back to reality and selling real estate in our beautiful Ocean City, Maryland!! 55 degrees and all...there is no place like home!!
I'm back bloggin'!! Jay.

Been a While...said my Aunt Mary.

2006-07-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

Since March I suppose?
Anyhow, I've just been too busy trying to convince all you buyers out there that they should BUY, that I haven't posted to my blog:(
You say, "why buy?". Good question but think of it in terms of "why not?".
You say, "wait out the market...let it bottom out". I say "you'll also be waiting out the FED and the rate hikes....well, then it could be a wash or worse?"
The economy is strong, unemployment is low, with the exception of oil prices and the always unstable middle east (and Korea) why the doom and gloom by the media as it relates to real estate? I think a good question is geared towards over building in some markets, but lets face it now IS the time to buy. Find a good Realtor and a great property and DEAL, DEAL, DEAL! Investigate, compare and negotiate this is a great time to take the step and move forward with a purchase whether it be a primary or second home.
Well, brief but a post none the less. Maybe, this will keep my Aunt Mary happy for a couple of weeks? Maybe, just maybe.

Eastern Shore Market Statistics for Nov 05/ December 05

2006-03-11T20:18:00.000-05:00

Hello All-

Worcester County Maryland Sales and Average Price for November and December as follows:

Nov 2005 Sold Units 136 Nov 2004 Sold Units 186 Change -26.9%
Dec 2005 Sold Units 70 Dec 2004 Sold Units 197 Change -64.5%

Dec 2004 average price $347,515 Dec 2005 $405,808 Change +16.5%

Just an update as the market continues its healthy shift to a balanced buyer friendly market!

Data compiled from Maryland Association of Realtors.

Is There a Real Estate "Bubble?"?

2006-03-11T19:36:00.000-05:00

My question to the public in general is, " Do you feel as an informed consumer that there is a Real Estate "bubble" ready to burst?" And if you care, as I do as a Realtor, from where did this "bubble"talk originate? Just answer with comments to either A) Economic statistics as they relate to jobless rate/ interest rates/ current affairs or ; B) the media and its hype? Please post your ideas, opinions and answers as I will post my feedback soon. Thanks, Jay.