Ocean City and Ocean Pines Maryland real estate listings, home buying, selling and relocation information

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Named an "Outstanding Community for 2000" by Searchers, Inc., the Ocean City - Salisbury & Worcester County area provides superior quality of life for active adults and growing families.

The diversity of the area provides residents with a myriad of lifestyle options. From retirement communities, family settings, beach dwellings and high rise condos to massive farms, the area offers colorful patches on a quilt of choices.

Covering a land area of 475 square miles, Worcester County is bordered on the south by Virginia and the north by Delaware. The elongated stretch of land provides the only seacoast in Maryland beginning with Ocean City on the north and extending down through Assateague Island to reach Virginia.

The topography of the county ranges from dune crested beaches to nearly 13,000 acres of state forest.

The weather typically remains mild with the influence of the ocean breezes. Average temperatures in January are 38 degrees and 77 degrees in July. Rainfall amounts average 49" annually with 12" of snow falling on average in the winter.

Employment in the county is dominated by the tourism industry. Sixty-three percent of all county wide employment is in the retail and services sectors. Tax incentives are offered to attract business and manufacturing to the area. Taxes on property in the county are low and county income tax levels are the lowest in the state of Maryland.

A wealth of activities and organizations provide area residents with opportunities to become involved. From charitable to arts to business and fraternal, there is a place for anyone to share their particular interests with others.

Education is a priority to area residents. From the smallest of scholars to senior citizens seeking new knowledge, the opportunities abound.

Truly, life in the Ocean City area has fulfilled the promise of the good life for those who live by the great expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

Making An Offer >Keeping Your Earnest Money Safe

When you make an offer on a house, it is accompanied by an earnest money check. Earnest money is intended to demonstrate that you are "in earnest" about purchasing the property. The earnest money check is made out to the listing company. What happens to this check?

The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until you go into closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money funds. Be sure to review this part of your contract with the real estate agent.

If you are in default on your agreement, the funds may go to the sellers, so be sure that you understand the deadlines in order to avoid breach of contract and forfeiture of your deposit. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your real estate agent for advice.

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Q	What is the mysterious American island whose private owners are intent on preserving the ways of early island life?
A	The Robinson Family, owners of Niihau, Hawaii, have done everything in their power to preserve traditional ways.
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About the Ocean City and Ocean Pines, Maryland Area