“Buyer’s Market” - Ocean City Maryland Properties…
Over the past few years the Ocean City Maryland real estate market has slowed significantly, along with those of most areas nationwide. Properties are selling for less. Some sellers are reducing their list prices to below that of comparable properties to encourage a quicker sale. We have also seen a rise in listings for bank owned properties. Here too, some properties are listed at a less than average price while others remain similar.
Due to this slow down, a significant increase of inventory of properties in all price, type and locations have been noted thus creating an opportunity known as a “Buyers Market”. Favoring the buyer over the seller allows many to be able to purchase a property at significantly less than original or the last price paid for the property, sometimes as much as 10% to 15%. Concurrently, many both “new construction” and recently constructed projects in our area are offered for less and many may include appealing incentives.
As you are probably aware, due to the current economy, the mortgage industry has also been severely impacted, causing the Federal government to step in and reduce the cost of money – thus keeping mortgage rates at historical lows. Yet, although rates are low the mortgage application and approval process has become a bit more burdensome with new procedures sometimes causing delays. However, I believe the overall loan approval rate remains about the same. If you have good credit and meet the other requirements loans are obtainable with few, if any, complications.
Combined, current favorable mortgage rates with high inventory and reduced property pricing has created this exceptional opportunity, the “Buyer’s Market” … And it seems that NOW may be the best time to begin looking for your Ocean City Maryland resort property. If you have any questions and/or are ready to begin your search, please contact me. I can be reached at lynnb@lynnb.com or toll free at 888-524-6041.
To enlarge photo of Condo Row - Ocean City Maryland skyline, just “click”.
SUNFEST - OC’s Premier Event 2008
The beginning of fall brings SUNFEST, the always-anticipated, biggest and best annual event, to the beach in Ocean City Maryland. Four whole days, beginning Thursday, September 18th through Sunday, September 21st… are filled with live music, arts and crafts and great food! This year will be the 34th
season for this grand party that is held at the Inlet lot at the south end of the famed Boardwalk. Special kid’s activities are ongoing including a special visit from Lollipop the Clown on Sunday. Featured in the arts and crafts area will be 12 artists demonstrating their creativity right before your eyes. Food selections, including Eastern Shore specialties - from crabs to oyster fritters - will abound. Admission to the 4-day festival is free. Tickets for 
headline acts are on sale at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center for various live performances including musical offerings by the Platters and the Commodores. Hours daily are 10 am until 10 pm and 10 am until 6 pm on Sunday. Don’t miss it…this is the event we’ve all been waiting for! For details phone 410-626-2326 or toll free 1-800-OC-OCEAN or visit the website at www.ococean.com.
(Our thanks to Bill Swartwout for these great photos.) To enlarge, just “click”!
RIPPONS SEAFOOD MARKET & CARRY-OUT
As a long time (since 1985) fixture of the Ocean City Maryland scene, RIPPONS Seafood Market & Carry-out has always stood for dependable quality and freshness in carryout seafood. This day was no different… Stopping by for lunch, we selected the shrimp salad sandwich. It was very good – actually better than that! Served on a soft, potato roll the large, whole shrimp contained within were de-veined, expertly cooked and dead-on fresh! With only chopped celery and a bit of mayonnaise - the real flavor of the shrimp was allowed to shine. No other seasoning was necessary! It’s seldom that happens – this from a shrimp salad eater of many years!!! While waiting for the sandwich to be prepared we perused the menu and the large cold case containing 
an extensive variety of fresh seafood. The rockfish fillets were exceptionally appealing – large, plump and very shiny – which tells me again, fresh! It was the same for the nice tuna loin and salmon. Other fish varieties and soft crabs were also available along with a long list of shellfish including mussels, sea scallops, oysters (in season) and clams. Whole Maine lobsters sat in a live tank ready to be steamed for just $1.00 additional. And, of course there is the famous Rippons Bros. Crabmeat – all varieties including Cocktail Fingers in one-pound containers. With such a large menu of fresh seafood one would think the cooked offerings would be slight…not so! Platters, sandwiches, baskets, soups and sides – even large party platters compete for menu space. 
And, I suspect that if the shrimp salad is any indication – its all-pretty tasty stuff! If we have any complaint, it is the location of this shop – officially listed as being on 120th Street, bayside, it is actually on the north facing side of a large square building housing a 7-11 and a real estate office - adequate parking available. It does face 120th, not Coastal Highway. RIPPONS opens at 10 am each morning and is open weekends until 11pm. Carryout only. Nationwide shipping is available. Visit the RIPPONS website at www.ripponsseafood.com for more information or telephone 410-723-0056.
CRABS-TO-GO…a movable feast!
Located at the junction of Rt. 589 and Ocean Gateway (US Rt. 50) eastbound CRABS TO GO makes a big statement. The “shack” that houses this movable feast boasts a bright red exterior with flags and signs galore is hard to miss…although located between a filling station and an outdoors wood furnishings market. Once tried however the destination is unforgettable.
First, this is the only Ocean City MD area seafood house we’ve encountered that offers that old-time Baltimore favorite – the Fried Hard Crab! A sizable steamed crab with the upper shell discarded, the remainder 
cleaned and re-stuffed with huge lumps of lovely, lightly seasoned crab meat…then dipped in spiced batter and deep fried to a golden, very crispy, brown! Being from Baltimore – the folks at Crabs To Go know how to do this just right! And, even for the most adventuresome – one of these gigantic treats is probably enough! Of course there are the choice fill-ins like fresh corn on the cob, crisp slaw, and onion rings, fries, potato and macaroni salads for the not fully satisfied! There is soup – crab, of course, both creamy white and spicy red available! Then there are platters, baskets and sandwiches – your choice, mix and match all 
beginning with yummy things like clams, scallops, shrimp, soft crabs, fish and oysters. This is the cooked stuff! Also offered is a complete line of FRESH seafood, raw or steamed including lobster and stone crab claws sold by the pound, dozen or pint or bushel at market price. As you can see Crabs To Go has it all - even including party platters and nationwide shipping! Sorry, no “dine in” available – a truly “movable feast”!
For more information telephone 410-641-9379 or visit the website where you will find the complete menu at www.crabstogo.com.
SUNDAES IN THE PARK…the “something more”!
It’s nearly the end of a perfect Sunday afternoon at the beach…sun warmed, relaxed shoulders a wee bit pink - yet you find yourself not quite ready to call it a day! You, your family and friends are looking for - something more. Suddenly you remember that on Sunday evenings the good folks at the Town of Ocean City sponsor the ever-popular summertime “Sundaes in the Park” event. Beginning at 5 through 8 pm live music and some children’s activities are served up alongside a 
giant “do-it-yourself, decorated” luscious ice cream sundae – one scoop or two? The location adds to the enjoyment – Northside Park, the Town’s multi-acre activity complex located bayside off 125th Street – a short hop west from Coastal Highway. Waterside, sunset views over Assawoman bay along with bay breezes makes this the perfect ending to your weekend in Ocean City Maryland. Parking is easy too! Bring the kids and the family dog, throw 
down your blanket, bring a chair and plant yourself on the well-tended lawns, and get ready to enjoy some music and spoon up your large portion of “Sundaes in the Park”. Admission is FREE (nominal charge for ice cream)! For more information visit www.ococean.com/familyfun!
And don’t forget to check on this site for other great “Beach Bargains“!
CHESAPEAKE BAY FARMS - unique & delicious!
Having thoroughly enjoyed once again your beachside visit to Ocean City Maryland it may be time to head home via Rt. 50. Or perhaps, because it’s a lovely summer evening you want to treat the kids (or yourself) to some fabulous ice cream…? Well, the well known saying, “Head west….”, is more than true. A few short miles after leaving the beach, driving along Rt. 50 (Ocean Gateway) one comes upon a row of hand-lettered signs…leading off-road to a little green building nestled in a cul-de-sac that’s well worth your attention. The sign on the building says
Chesapeake Bay Farms. Within you find the retail outlet for the only dairy in Worcester County…and within you will find the most delicious homemade, hand-dipped ice cream ever! The flavors are incredible and endless!!! Along side you will find cheese – real cheese – also in a variety of flavors! And, what’s a real dairy store without butter – fresh churned butter, salted or unsalted packed in 8 oz containers. In a nearby case you will find fresh local seafood (seasonal) including local clams, crabmeat, scallops and shrimp (also live crabs when available). They also have heavenly homemade “Paul’s recipe” chocolate Truffles prettily 
packaged…just in case you need a quick gift for the folks back home? Outside again, under the mature trees on the lawn are a few picnic tables where you can enjoy your icy treat (or ask for “to go” and the staff will cheerfully secure your purchase within ice). And, while you’re there visit the little pen outside…where the calves are kept. Today, the merely weeks old inhabitants were looking for a friendly petting – a perfect ending to our visit to a real dairy store. To visit this shop via the Internet - www.chesapeakebaycheese.com where you may learn more about this unique local business.
The GREEK FESTIVAL…all about the food!
The latter part of July here at the beach means its near time for the annual Greek Festival. Sponsored by St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Ocean City Maryland (the only Greek Orthodox Church on the Eastern Shore). The festival, in its 19th year is held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center…the lone indoor area facility large enough to host this event! Upon entering the huge exhibition hall you are greeted by a literal “field of tables” decked out in the traditional blue of the Greek flag. Upon each table is a centerpiece of white flowers…with the flag of Greece in miniature. Surrounding these tables are vendors, many of which offer “something Greek” – paintings of Greek landscapes, T-
shirts, Greed influenced classical pottery, music CD’s, etc. At the center is a stage where live music is performed each of the three-day event beginning at 5 pm and lasting far into the night. And, there is a dance floor…to showcase the live performances of traditional Greek Folk Dancing. I’ve heard that when the evening gets rolling few attendees remain seated instead preferring to join in. A rollicking good evening for all! But, as the title says…it’s really all about the food, beginning with the platters offered: roasted lamb shanks, stuffed grape leaves, savory Moussaka, lasagna-like Pastitiso… the list goes on and on. For those of us who favor the gyros…there are two versions, traditional meat and chicken each wrapped in warm bread and piled high with thinly sliced onions, really pick-of-the-season ripe 
tomatoes and topped with the oh-so-good, traditional Tsatziki sauce, a savory mixture of cucumber, garlic, and fresh yogurt – perfect! Finally, there are the desserts…all home-baked by the women of the church. First there is the Baklava, consisting of buttered (REAL) filo pastry, layered with honey-based syrup and filled with nuts and spices. You can move on to the tender butter (REAL again) cookies…or the honey drenched walnut cake, biscotti and wind up with a dish of award-worthy rice pudding lovingly made by a retired chef! Be sure to remember that each and every July in Ocean City Maryland it’s time for the Greek Festival ( really all about the food.) Come and join us! For a calendar of events visit the Town website at www.ococean.com
ART’S ALIVE…and very much so!
Several weeks ago the lovely Northside Park, located bayside in Ocean City MD became, for the eighth consecutive year, a most perfect and natural setting for the ever anticipated event, ARTS ALIVE. Developed and sponsored by the Town of Ocean City partnered with the Art League of Ocean City this special gathering of more than 100 juried, fine artists and artisans show and sell original 
works in various categories. The Town awards $5,000 and ribbons in merit awards here annually. Many of the artists featured return each year from far away to this very special event…finding a discriminating and appreciative audience for their unique talents. The waterside park complex showcase adds to the occasion…from the tree shaded walk paths surrounding the lagoon, along which the artists’ tents are comfortably placed, including bridges and bay views, one feels that art is everywhere even
in the tranquil music played throughout the grounds. There are free children’s workshops offered on both days thanks to a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. Lunch is available on site. Join us again next June for this most joyful celebration of the Arts, here along the bays in Ocean City Maryland.
Area PET SERVICES…for your best friend!
Whether visiting or residing here, you and your pets will find that the area in and around Ocean City Maryland offers the entire spectrum of professional pet care services - see lists below - these are comparable to any large city. Additionally, we offer a listing of local pet friendly hotels for your convenience while traveling. Professional grooming and boarding services abound as well as some “best” veterinary services including a Pet’s ER (two locations) in nearby Salisbury (30 minutes), MD. We even have a new, “Do It Yourself Dog Wash” at the new Cat and Canine Comforts on Rt. 611 in West Ocean City for a quick clean up after a day’s romp playing Frisbee on nearby Assateague Island.PET FRIENDLY HOTELS – Barefoot Mailman - 1-800-395-3668, 35th Street & Ocean Clarion Resort - 1-800-638-2100, 101st Street & Ocean Marylander Hotel - 1-866-879-6130, 127th Street & Ocean OC Apartments - 410-289-4000, 6th Street & Bay Parrot Lagoon Key West - 1-866-641-5930, 4th Street & Bay Safari Motel - 1-800787-2183, 13th Street & Boardwalk Serene Hotel & Suites - 1-800-542-4444, 120th Street & Coastal Windjammer - 410-289-9409, 46th Street & Ocean BOARDING KENNELS – (grooming services available) Delmarva Pet Resort – 302-436-2275, Selbyville Dogtel Hotel – 410-213-8188, West Ocean City Heavenly Hound – 302 -436-2926, Selbyville Village Kennels – 410-352-5108, Bishopville Note: For in-home pet care… House Pawz – 302-381-6808, Fenwick Island (Pet Taxi Service available) Home Alone Petsitting – 302-436-4044, Fenwick Island VETERINARY SERVICES – Atlantic Veterinary Services, 410-629-1838 Berlin Animal Hospital, 410-641-1841 Ocean City Animal Hospital, 410-213-1170 VCA Delmarva Animal Hospital, 410-629-1800 Whaleyville Animal Hospital, 410-352-3311 And a Pet’s ER in Salisbury, 410-543-8400 (Emergency care).
OC MD area Media…stay in touch!
For those of us addicted to print media, even here at the easternmost point of Maryland - the Atlantic Seaboard - you are never far from “big city” and national newspapers. During your stay in Ocean City Maryland, whether sitting in the shade of a beach umbrella or poolside at your hotel you will find easy access. Many of your favorite “daily’s” are available as well as a large selection of local tabloids listing the very best of resort attractions; including local restaurant specials, amusements, fishing and boating guides, money saving ads with coupons, etc. Most all are easy to find in your hotel lobby, corner grocery and convenience stores throughout our resort town. And, with internet connection availability nearly everywhere it’s also easy too - to just “log on” and keep up. Below is a listing of some local papers to get you started. BAYSIDE GAZETTE – 410-641-0039, www.baysideoc.com BEACHCOMBER – 410-213-9442, www.gobeachcomber.com BEACH GUIDE – 410-524-3313, email - bguides@mchsi.com COCONUT TIMES – 410-213-1006, www.coconuttimes.com - Resort Entertainment Magazine The COURIER – 410-641-6695, www.oceanpinesforum.com The DAILY TIMES – 410-749-7171, www.delmarvanow.com The DISPATCH – 410-641-4561, www.mdcoastdispatch.com The GUIDE East - 302-629-5060, Delmarva’s Leading Weekly Advertising Publication Ocean Pines INDEPENDENT – 410-213-9442 Ext.11, www.oceanpinesindependent.com OCEANA Magazine – 410-250-5700, www.oceanamagazine.com OC TODAY – 410-723-6397, www.oceancitytoday.net WORCESTER COUNTY TIMES - 410-213-9442, www.worcestercountytimes.com
