'tis
the
season
Yes Virginia, there IS real estate sold at the Jersey shore in November and December ....
Smart, qualified and motivated Buyers and Sellers haven't closed shop for the holidays. In fact, January and February are even good months to
buy and sell.
The internet has changed buying habits - AND selling strategies. With Real Estate websites open 24-7 buyers can shop for a home at the shore as
easily as they can a tie or a
Phillies World championship shirt.
I treated myself to a pre-holiday gift and upgraded to a Blackberry so I can receive my emails and do MLS searches even if I'm out of the office picking up holiday gifts (although I do most of my shopping online these days). No longer will I accept the notion that November and December are SLOW months -
Today's Sellers know their listings are available to buyers online around the WORLD each and every day, not just in the weekend newspaper, so I need to be as vigilant today as I am in any other month of the year.
It's true that buyers are looking for good deals right now, and putting off looking until the New Year, or after football season, might mean missing the opportunity they've been waiting for. For Seller's, a LITTLE holiday decorating can make a home look MORE presentable and "homey" this time of year (just don't go overboard).
Even a slight alteration in asking prices can generate more activity, and exposure is key.
Buyer's who've signed up for automatic notifications on new and reduced listings can attest to the number of emails they're getting right now. Many seller's are anxious to get to the settlement table and move on to the next step, whether it's an upgrade to a larger, smaller, or newer property, or just to cash out and take that dream vacation they've been planning on.
Ocean City New Jersey has PLENTY of activities planned for December, and buying now leaves lots of time to get a new purchase ready for the 2009 rental season, or just to enjoy the winter (mild we hope) and spring seasons at the shore.
Mortgage Companies ARE lending money to qualified buyers - and can preApprove buyers in a matter of hours ! We can get buyers and sellers from contract to closing in a VERY short time, so why wait for 2009 !
My Advice To Buyers :is Get PreApproved by a Reputable Lender (I can help recommend a few) and plan a trip to shore.
Sellers : Keep your utilities turned on, and the property warm enough to give Buyers time to get a good look around.
and Agents : if you have the "presence" to stay on the ball there just might be a few more "presents" around the homestead this holiday season !
'tis the Season to sell some houses ... Beach4Sale.com
Ocean City Real Estate is Worth Another Look !
For a search of Ocean City real estate available today visit Beach4Sale.com
James I. (Jim) Marshall, CRS, GRI, ePro
Prudential Fox & Roach
Ocean City, NJ 08226
Jim@JimOCNJ.com
1-609-399-0066
1-888-602-3243
It's time for me to share a gift idea with you ... great as a closing gift, anniversary gift or just plain gift ...
Although there are segments of our market that remain sluggish ( BIG price tags AND VERY SMALL price tags ), the "heart and soul" of our industry (homes and condos priced from $300,000 to $ 700,000) are moving. 
;)
;)
