- Gail Garriss - Realtor, Associate Broker


Phone (866) 275-4245
Fax (410) 723-5101

E-Mail

Coldwell Banker
Residential Brokerage

12003 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842

Ocean City Maryland condo Buyers FAQ


Buyers FAQ

Gail Garriss Ocean City Realtor

 

Here is a list I have compiled of frequently asked questions by people intested in purchasing real estate here in Ocean City, MD.

If you have any questions please give me a call toll free at
 
866-275-4245
I answer your call.
 

 
   For an easy to read sample"Key" of our MLS Listings Please Click HERE.



    When is the right time to buy property in Ocean City?

  When you are ready. If you are ready or almost ready consider this:

Here is my updated* top ten reasons to purchase a condo in Ocean City, MD! 

1.    You love Ocean City.

2.   Your Family loves Ocean City...including pet(s) 

3.   Mortgage rates are down -under 4.15% ! *

4.   Inventory is way up...take your pick.

5.   Prices are down...Buyers are king.

6.   The Stock Market is a roller coaster-keeps coming back to where you started.

7.   Beautiful, clean sparkling beach.

8.   You can get here easily.

9.   Ocean City property rents. (if you want to)

10. The Beach Life. Priceless.

 

     *(article updated 2/2/2012) Friends and clients ask me if it's the right time to buy here, so in August 2010- I published my "top ten reasons to buy here in Ocean City".  Well folks, I really thought we were then at or near the bottom of this market when the Foreclosure mess convinced me we had hit absolute rock bottom...and today the Mortgage Rates hit another record Low!!...Wow!. The only way is up!?  Buyers rejoice !

How can I tell if an Ocean City property listed for sale is a short sale or a foreclosure?

This information is included on the property listing provided by the MLS.

What is a real estate "short sale"?

Generally, a "short sale" occurs when the seller is "upside down" or "underwater" -referring to the seller owing more to the lender than the property is listed for. The lender and seller agree the proceeds from the sale would be “short” of the amount to repay the loan.

A short sale or foreclosure is more complicated to purchase?

Yes; short sales and foreclosures are more complicated and require patience. Buyers should consider the value of a local Realtor® experienced in these transactions. Foreclosures are owned by the Lenders and generally move faster to settlement than Short Sales which can take months. 

How are condos listed and priced in Ocean City? 

Ocean City condos, generally speaking, are priced according to their location, size and condition at what the Market will support.  Oceanfront condos are more expensive vs Bayside condos, 3BR are generally more than 1BR, etc..  as you might guess.  

Ocean City MD real estate is divided into 5 (five) numbered areas which are defined for the most part as follows:

 

80=Oceanfront…Located East of Coastal Highway or Philadelphia Avenue and located directly on the Ocean with a clear view of the ocean facing east toward the beach.  Located at the first lot on the oceanfront

81=Oceanview…  Not oceanfront, has a good view of the ocean.  East of coastal  highway or Philadelphia Avenue. 

82=Oceanblock..located east of Coastal Highway or Philadelphia Avenue , but not oceanfront or oceanview.  They may have a peak of the ocean from the balcony or side window.   Within 1 block from the beach.

84=Bayside water…Located west of coastal highway, and is located on the Bay or on a water canal.  May have bay view with docking access or may have wetland view.  Canal access may have docking access and is located on a canal

85=Bayside Block-located west of coastal highway, but not located on the bay, wetland, or canal.   Completed surrounded by land.

  

The other designation-West Ocean City is located west of the Rt. 50 Bridge.

 

Can I get a mortgage in any condominium building?

Mortgages for condominiums can be a more involved process than obtaining a primary mortgage. There are some condo buildings in Ocean City that may be more difficult for new owners to obtain a mortgage due to various circumstances that the lenders consider.  Ask your agent for details.

 

How do I know if there is a good condo association?

The State of Maryland protects the Buyer by the Condominium Resale law requiring that the Buyer review all condo documents before settlement. Seller must present the Buyer with the "resale condominium package", after the contract has been approved by both Buyer and Seller.  This will contain information about the condo association and its finances.  Buyers will have a 7 (seven) day review period beginning at the time of receipt.  Maryland law stipulates that the Buyer can cancel the contract for any reason during that time.

 

Is all the condo furniture included in the sale?

Most condominiums in Ocean City are sold "turn-key” – with all furniture, decorations, TV’s, kitchen appliances and utensils, window treatments, etc. included.  However, it does depend on the particular property so exclusions are possible. Conveying furnished is the normal procedure.

Can I rent my condo later if I want?

You are free to rent out your own condo anytime. There are numerous Rental Agencies to choose from here in Ocean City. Most condo rental will occur on a weekly or mini week basis during the summer months of June through September. Ocean City is considered a vacation  resort town, but year round and seasonal rentals are also possible. I am not a rental agent but I can refer you to rental agents here in town for more information.

Who gets the rent?

Normally, the buyer at settlement gets the rent monies booked for the current or upcoming season, including deposits, depending on when you settle. Buyers are at an advantage when purchasing a booked rental condo prior to the season. Listings will indicate if booked rentals must be honored. Rental agencies will charge the owner a percentage fee to handle the rental management of your condo. Owner is responsible for utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs inside the condo.

Do I need insurance?

A large portion of the “condo fees” on the property listing covers the insurance to replace the condominium building under certain circumstances.  No mortgage is possible without it as Ocean City is in a floodplain. This Condominium insurance does not cover the interior of the unit.  It is the individual condo owner’s responsibility to carry insurance for the unit’s interior; however it is not required. If you are renting, it is a good idea to carry insurance which will also include coverage for liability and/or damages from rentals. Many rental agencies now require the renters to purchase a rental policy that protects the condo owner-ask your rental agent about this.

What are the property taxes in Ocean City MD?

Property taxes are collected by Worcester County for both the County and the State of Maryland. Worcester County also collects the tax for the Town of Ocean City MD. These Property taxes are indicated on the property listing from the MLS as two amounts. Contact me for a list of the current Rates. 

Are cable TV charges included in the condo fee?

Usually, not in Ocean City- but a few condos do include Basic cable in the Condo fee. This information can be found in the Condominium Resale Package or ask the management company. 

Where do I park?

Most condos in Ocean City have parking areas for all owners (and their  renters).  Condos built before 1982 may only have 1 parking space.   Condos built after that date usually will have 1(one) parking space for efficiency or one bedroom units; 2(two) parking spaces for 2 bedroom units; and 2(two) plus or more spaces for 3 bedrooms or larger units. Many condos have assigned spaces and/or parking permits/tags. Many parts of Ocean City have free public street parking or municipal lots with meters. More parking info is here:

http://ococean.com/travel-tools/parking-information

Can I bring my boat?  

There are Ocean City condos that include a deeded boat slip.  Some condo slips are limited on boat size. This information can be found in Condominium by laws for that particular condo. Some condos have community boat slips that owners can rent for the season or dock temporarily.  There is usually a limited amount of spaces available. Boat trailer parking is available at the 100th Street Municipal Parking Lot for a fee. For information, call the lot at 410-524-0038. Boat trailers may not be parked on the public streets, alleyways or public parking lots from May 1 through October 1. Another idea: Most marinas in Ocean City have space available for a modest fee.

 


 

 

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