Ryan Haley

Ocean City Maryland offers a wide variety of activities that are sure to appeal to all ages and budgets. From the beach to the bay, Boardwalk to uptown, French fries to seafood. We have got something for everyone!

If the beach has you worn out, and if you are starting to resemble one of our Maryland steamed crabs from too much time in the sun. Be sure to check out the exciting minor league baseball action of our very own Delmarva Shorebirds in nearby Salisbury Maryland. The Shorebirds are the Class "A" affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles. Delmarva plays in the competitive South Atlantic League comprised of 16 teams. Ticket prices start at $5 for kids and seniors, and just $6 for general admission. The action is red hot and this is your chance to see tomorrow's big leaguers today!

This past Friday we took the family out to see the Shorebirds take on the Lake County Captains. Thank to a heroic 2 run homer the Shorebirds managed to defeat the Captains 2-1. Next time you are in the area be sure to catch a game.

For the first time in 35 years, it is expected that Ocean City Maryland's property values will fall by as much as 15%, when the Worcester County Assessment and Taxation office completes its tri-annual assessment this October. At first glance, this seams like a very negative headline but the reality is that we in Ocean City just like many parts of the country are experiencing a correction in the market place. If you compare current 2008 values to that of 2001 property values, we are close to 130% higher. Statistics from the National Associatation of Realtors also show that on average a homes value nearly doubles every 10 years, which has been the case since World War II. So is Real Estate a great investment? Absolutely!

This brings me back to my original Question, is there an Unseen Benefit in the falling property values for both sellers and buyers? Yes for the first time in possibly 35 years, Ocean City residents could see a decrease in their new tax bill! The relief may be temporary, but also if the investment is long term, history has proven that the value will go up, once again building equity! Now for the buyers, Buyers what are you waiting for? Current vacation home pricing is at the level seen before the last run up in prices, which in some cases is 40% less than the peak in 2005. Combine the value with an increase in demand for condominium rentals as apposed to hotel room rentals only strengthens the investment! Have we reached the bottom? It is hard to say, but typically, the only way to know for sure is when demand and prices start going up! Then its to late!!

For complete 2008 sales statistics provided by the Coastal Association of Realtors visit http://www.RyanHaley.com

If this message does not display correctly, please click here.

To unsubscribe from this list, please click here.

Well it's that time of year again! Time for the 9th annual Ocean City Humane Society's "Board Walkin' for Pets!" The event will be held on Saturday April 26th from 9AM - 12 PM on the Boardwalk, near the inlet.

Proceeds Benifit the Ocean City Humane Society a NO-Kill Shelter
Don't have a dog? "Adopt" a shelter dog for the day."
Arrangements must be made prior to the walk.
Prizes awarded to those who raise the most money!
Enter Contests & win Prizes
For More info contact Kristy at: 443-614-4453 or kristy2608@hotmail.com

It is a great event so please come out and show your support!

That's the million Dollar Question! Are we starting to see some improvement in the Ocean City Real Estate Market? Well the numbers are a little hard to read, but do indicate that we be experiencing a temporary improvement! The number of March condominium settlements in Ocean City was up 6.5% for the month of March 2008 when compared to March 07, and when comparing the number of new listings in the same period from 2007 to 2008 we were down 24.6% indicating a possible decrease in inventory. The big jump in settlements was in the $800,000-$899,999 price range where we saw a 300% increase, and the $900,000-$999,999 price range which experienced a 500% Jump!

On the downside year to date settlements are down 15.7% when comparing the first quarter of 2007 to the first quarter of 2008, and the number of new contracts written for March of 2008 was down 35% compared to March of 2007. So where are we headed? Well even if the improvement is only temporary, we will take what we can get! Hear is the link to the report from the Coastal Association of Realtors.