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BEACH NOTES from Dustin A. Peters, Ocean City, NJ ... 1/26/2009

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Real Estate Agent with Goldcoast Sotheby's International Realty License # 9481514

WINTER BUT WARMER

 

So when is the very best time to purchase a shore property (in Ocean City)?

It's an easy answer:  "A warm winter afternoon in Ocean City in January or early February."

I know ... you want to ask:  when is the next best time?  "Of course, it depends on property type ... but maybe the next best time is right after the summer season is over ... plan to look on summer changeover days and close in mid-September.

Back to "winter but warmer."  You want to look the part and dress the part.  Perhaps the best way to describe it is to hear me tell my wife what I'm doing today.  "I'm showing 8-10 sale properties to some folks coming down today.  I'm layered ... got my long-johns with the holes under my brown corduroys.  I have the long-sleeve pull-over under my good brown sweater.  I've got those great shoes that keep my fet warm, and if starts to rain or snow they keep out the water.  I have my new (gift) scarf from Cori (daughter-in-law) ... the one she made.  And I'm looking for my favorite hat."

It's actually colder in the property than outside ... on the ones that turn off their heat and drain the water.  (Special note:  you must always alert buyers and rental tenants not to use the bathroom.  By the way, if it has recently snowed (no worries because it almost never recently snows in Ocean City, NJ), I always carry a broom and light shovel because again mostly no one cleans the walks or steps or porch ... they are not here.

But here's the secret:  very few other Buyers are here either.  If you find an interesting property, you have less (or zero) competition.

I usually stop at the "4th on First Street Cafe" for coffee or tea and a scone for debriefing with Buyers.  The real problem is to review all properties, take notes, have them take notes, answer questions, suggest a possible return (if possible) to a special property.  This is the crucial meeting ... do it somewhere warm!

The major techniques, strategies, tips, operating principals, attitudes, or whatever are "for the Agent to listen," to listen closely, to answer questions, and to keep listening closely.  "The Quiet Man," which is also a great movie with John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara and directed by the great John Ford, makes the sale; or at least moves the process along.  It could also be "The Quiet Woman" (Agent), but they didn't make that film.  Nothing else intended here (for my female readers).

Winter but Warmer is the way to go.  On a personal level, my wife and I have purchased a number of properties over the Christmas & New Year time frame (visited and locked them up with a contract).  That's why I always get a bit uneasy if she is checking property at that time of year.           Dap

 

 

 

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