Supporting Our Community - CONTACT CAPE ATLANTIC

A few months ago I accepted the voluntary board position for an organization called CONTACT Cape-Atlantic. CONTACT Cape-Atlantic, a partner organization of United Way, offers a telephone reassurance program for anyone who is alone or feeling lonely. Clients receive a daily call at the same time every day. Trained volunteers provide a friendly hello and check to make sure there are no emergencies. The volunteers are caring and committed to relieving isolation and loneliness.

CONTACT was started to keep in touch with senior citizens living alone and to let them know someone cares about them. Now this successful program has grown to help anyone, regardless of age, have contact with another friendly person.

Our Services

Telephone Reassurance Program: provides daily telephone calls to the elderly and disabled living in Atlantic and Cape May counties. Calls provide a friendly hello and a check to make sure all is well with our client.

Gatekeeper Program: trains individuals out in the community to recognize that an elderly person could use some help. Training has been provided to cable company employees, public utility employees, letter carriers, bank tellers and others who have daily contact with local residents. But anyone can be a gatekeeper. Just let us know of an elderly person in need.

We depend upon the community for their support through donations and at our our fund raising events.

Upcoming Event

Sunday, April 19, 2009:

18th Annual Silent Auction & Brunch

WHAT: Our Annual Silent Auction & Brunch...always lots of fun!

Many gift items, restaurant certificates, sports memorabilia, gift baskets and more will be available, for silent and live auction.

WHERE: Stumpo's Italian Grill, Somers Point, NJ

WHEN: Sunday, April 19, 2009~ 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Donation: $25 Per person.

FOR MORE INFO. CALL: (609) 823-1850 or (609) 463-4564

e-mail: contact-c-a@comcast.net

Become a Volunteer
To become a CONTACT Cape-Atlantic volunteer, simply call the office at (609) 823-1850. Training will be provided and can be done one-on-one. Volunteers commit to fill a shift which can be 8:30 a.m. to Noon or Noon to 3:30 p.m., and calls can be made from either of our phone centers. There is one in Atlantic County and another in Cape May County. As this is a service that is provided 365 days a year, there are many opportunities to help. Some volunteers are also able to volunteer from home. Calls can be made from home using a cell phone or an unlimited phone service. Our service area is all of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The volunteer opportunities at CONTACT Cape-Atlantic are very flexible and can usually fit into everyone’s schedule. Hope you will consider becoming a volunteer for this valuable service to your community.

Matchmaker Matchmaker, Choosing the Right Realtor: The Seller’s Agent

As a homeowner, choosing the right Realtor to represent you is one of the most important financial decisions you will make, and yet many people give little thought to this choice. Generally, your home is the single largest investment you will make and its value will determine financial stability for years to come. Proper standards should be applied when choosing a Realtor much like when you select your doctor, lawyer or any other professional service provider.

Here are eight tips to keep in mind as you begin your selection process.

What’s In a Name? – Reputation Matters

A Realtor’s name is his/her ticket, and those who are in Real Estate for any length of time know that your reputation usually precedes you for better or worse. For a homeowner looking to sell it is a good place to start.. It has been said that the Real Estate business is largely referral based. If you know someone who has had a good experience with a Realtor, make a “date” and see if you mesh.. However, don’t just assume that because the Realtor was good for your friend, it will be a good match for you.

My Realtor, My Brother, My Friend…Sometimes

A common mistake is hiring a friend or relative as a representative in a Real Estate transaction who is not qualified. While Cousin Vinnie may be the family favorite, he may not be the best choice to sell your house. The boom several years ago, yielded hundreds of “weekend warriors” using Real Estate as a hobby or extra income. A friend or relative can serve you well as long as they are a full time experienced professional. If you choose not to use them, the fact of the matter is that a true friend or loving relative should understand and respect the importance of your decision and will recommend an excellent colleague.

Can We Talk? - Communication and Comfort Levels
The home selling process can be a lengthy one, so it is extremely important that when you make your selection you will have chosen someone you feel comfortable with. Do you feel that you can call and discuss your concerns and your ideas without feeling intimidated or belittled? A great Realtor hears what you are saying and makes the effort to make you feel like part of the team selling the property. Talk with the Realtor. If it seems like you are speaking different languages, keep looking. Men may be from Mars and Women from Venus, but you and your Realtor had better be from the same planet.

Show Me The Money– Ask To See A Marketing Plan

We are now in what is considered to be a “buyer’s market.” Therefore, you need a Realtor equipped to market your property appropriately. The objective should be to attract as many buyers as possible so that your house sells for the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time. Ask to see a marketing plan. Fact: 85% of today’s buyers surf the net prior to calling any Realtor. Your Realtor’s company should have their own web site and your Realtor should have his or her own web page where your property will be posted. Are they a member of Realtor.com? Realtor.com is linked to over 60 other sites. Will your property be advertised in the major Real Estate publications? If so, how often and what kind of ads? What other types of promotions will be done? Will there be Open Houses? An open house at the right home can be effective if it is promoted well through advance mailings and advertising. How will their marketing be different or better than any other Realtor?

Results, Results and More Results – Sales Performance

While a marketing plan is very important, the Realtors’ track record tells you how effective it can be. How many sales for the year is a good beginning, but don’t forget to find out how many homes were listed that did not sell, the average length of time on the market, and how many price reductions each home required. A great marketing plan is only great if it works.

My World And Welcome To It! – Market Knowledge

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a very important tool for any Realtor to determine your property's market value. The price is established by comparing your property to similar properties that have sold in the area within three to six months. Two pitfalls to avoid: 1) Don’t use homes currently on the market as a key to pricing yours. The current price of houses on the market may be the reason they are still for sale. 2) Don’t live in the past, “Mrs. Kravitz sold her house for $500K last year”. The only sales that are relevant are current sales. A great Realtor knows his/her inventory, can evaluate your house and tell you how it stacks up next to the other homes on the market. A CMA will give you the numbers, but make sure your Realtor is “in the trenches” daily and knows your competition.

Sold To The Lowest Bidder - Discount Realtors

Commissions are negotiable and the standard commission when you list a house is 6%, split equally between the two agents. At times Realtors will offer 5% and even 4% commission in an effort to convince the homeowner to give them the listing. Unfortunately, what the homeowner fails to realize is that discount Realtors diminish their chances of a sale for a number of reasons; 1) Other Realtors are less likely to show their property since compensation for this property is below standard compensation, and 2) with the reduced commission on the listing side there are insufficient funds to properly market their home. If you want a bargain go to K-Mart, but don’t use a discount Realtor.

Honesty is the Best Policy, But Not Everybody is

Be Realistic About Pricing –Okay, here are a few truths. Not everybody’s child is gifted, some clothes will make you look fat and the check is not necessarily in the mail. Let’s face it, not everybody is totally honest. Beware! Some Realtors will make grandiose claims regarding your homes’ worth just to get you to list with them. When the house does not sell, you will eventually have to lower your price. Why waste valuable time?. This is why an accurate CMA is so important. Don’t be taken in by false promises.

South Jersey offers hundreds of committed, talented and hard working Realtors that meet and exceed standards of excellence. Take the time so you can make the right match.

Atlantic City Restaurant Week Extended Due to Popular Demand!!!

Popular Demand Prompts One Week Extension
Of Atlantic City Restaurant Week for Many Participating Restaurants
through Saturday, March 14, 2009
Due to the overwhelming success of Atlantic City’s inaugural Restaurant Week this week, several participating restaurants will extend their special lunch and dinner prix fixe menus of $15.09 for lunch and $33.09 for dinner for an additional week, through Saturday, March 14, 2009. These fixed menu prices do not include beverages, taxes or gratuities.

For a complete list of restaurants that are extending their restaurant week lunch and/or dinner menus and the additional days of participation, click on link at

http://www.acrestaurantweek.com.

This list will be updated daily. Full information, including menus, lodging and parking information is also available at this web site, or by calling the ACCVA’s visitor information line at 1-888-AC-VISIT (1-888-228-4748).

Please Note: Atlantic City Restaurant Week gift certificates are valid only through Saturday, March 7, 2009.

The ACCVA receives funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State Division of Travel and Tourism. Sponsors include American Express, Philadelphia Magazine, Greater Atlantic City Chamber, The Press of Atlantic City Media Group, The Pier Shops at Caesars, Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Association, A.C. Central Reservations, Atlantic City Special Improvement District, South Jersey Industries, TD Bank, Atlantique City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Casino Connection.

You've Got Mail!

Today one of my more cautious buyers emailed me several questions and comments. When he received my response he suggested I post it on my blog…anonymously. I welcome your comments and feedback:
The Buyer writes:

"I am not an economist but I think we are in for a rough year ahead. I think Real Estate is in for it too. Remember the stock market is an indicator and actually precedes the real markets (in this case real estate). I am sure you have heard this from many before me and also serve as a useful tool to rationalize for people who don't have the courage to buy at this time. (somewhat guilty as charged); but I am willing patiently to see how things evolve over next few months. "
Mark responds:

"I hear all kinds of theories and opinions from buyers and sellers and of course and I have my own. (BIG SURPRISE!)
As I have watched the Real Estate market over the past two years and I have seen some changes. The homes have come down in this area, but not a lot. More recently prices have leveled off. They have done this for a reason. Most people in this area do not have to sell. The same houses that glutted the market 2 years ago that were over priced are still on the market giving a perception of a market that is flooded with inventory.

New houses, when they do come on are snatched up in a matter of weeks...sometimes days (as long as they are priced right).

We are and will be facing a shortage of good houses to buy as the spring and summer market comes. In my opinion...with all due respect, the people that keep waiting for the next, best deal...or the bottom of the market will miss the deals they could have had.

It is hard not to be influenced by all the media bombarding us with negative information about the economy and the poor housing market. However, ALL REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL and while our area is not bullet proof we are not affected the same way as the rest of New Jersey or other parts of the country.
Since January 1, 2009 I have 9 closed sales and I have 10 more pending sales scheduled to close on or before April 15th, 2009.
People are buying real estate at the shore.
There is only so much beach!"

Boardwalk Journal Radio: Tune In with Mark on 1020 AM WIBG at 5:00PM Feb 26th

A new magazine, title Boardwalk Journal, geared to celebrate all aspects of Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore is being launched. It will be distributed through out the shore, and more importantly, will be the magazine found on the new Express Train (ACES) from Atlantic City to New York, and will be sure to attract greater patronage from the "Big Apple."

I am the grateful Realtor who has been asked to serve as this publication's Real Estate consultant. In this role I will be contributing a monthly column on Real Estate and I will be participating in monthly radio programs.

The following is a portion of the press release that Boardwalk Journal just sent out:
Tomorrow morning, Boardwalk Journal publisher Jennifer Hill will present another hour of Boardwalk Journal Radio with Harry Hurley from 8AM to 9AM on 1020 AM WIBG.
Boardwalk Journal Radio can also be heard via a live Internet stream at WIBG.COM

Boardwalk Journal Radio returns Thursday night from 5PM to 6PM on 1020 AM WIBG and live on the web at WIBG.COM.
Jennifer's guests will include local radio legend Ed Hurst and the Boardwalk Journal's real estate consultant Mark Arbeit.
To learn more about Harry Hurley please visit http://www.harryhurley.com/

To learn more about Jennifer Hill & The Boardwalk Journal please visit http://www.boardwalkjournal.com/
To learn more about Mark Arbeit please visit http://www.markattheshore.com/

The PULSE of the Shore Market for 2009

With January and most of February behind us, Buyers continue to come to the shore looking for a great deal. Without a doubt, there are deals to be found, and coupled with great mortgage rates there is no better time to buy!

However there is still misconception out there about our market. As recent as yesterday I received an email from a prospective Buyer that said, "I know that nothing's moving at the shore".

Please allow me to dispel that rumor by beginning this entry with some congratulations to the Buyers and Sellers I represented in the past few weeks in successful transactions:

Congratulations to:

Linda & John for the purchase of their home in January in Margate

Remarkable Renovations on the sale of their home in February in Margate

Tom & Betsy on the purchase of their home in February in Margate

Craig & Brandi on the purchase of their home in February in Ventnor

Debbi & Marty on the purchase of their home in February in Ventnor

Bob & Michelle on the sale of their condo in February in Ventnor

Kim & Michael on the purchase of their home in February in Ventnor

In addition to these completed sales, I currently have 11 more properties under contract and scheduled to close in the coming weeks.

Good news for you and good news for the shore. Still a great place to invest your money and great place to share with friends and family.

ATLANTIC CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: WHAT BETTER TIME TO VISIT THE SHORE?

Atlantic City Restaurant Week is a seven-day celebration of the culinary scene in Atlantic City.
For the week of March 1-7, 2009, participating restaurants will offer a multi-course meal for the fixed price of $15.09 for lunch and $33.09 for dinner (not including beverage, tax and gratuity). Restaurant week offers gastronomes and gourmets an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of Atlantic City's classic restaurants - and some of the city's newest - to sample a variety of the exceptional dishes prepared by Atlantic City's chefs at incredibly reasonable rates.

AC Restaurant Week Gift Certificates - Click to Purchase


What you need to know about

Atlantic City Restaurant Week

WHEN: Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, March 7, 2009

WHAT: Participating restaurants will offer fixed price, three-course meals at prices far below the normal cost:
Lunch: $15.09 per person
Dinner: $33.09 per person

Prices DO NOT include taxes, beverages or gratuity.

WHERE: Approximately 70 casino restaurants and independent restaurants throughout Atlantic County.
How can I find out which restaurants are participating?

Go to the “Restaurant List Page” The restaurant list is under the ‘Restaurants’ tab. If you click ‘View’ for the restaurant of your choice, you’ll see a description of the restaurant, location, contact information, the days and hours they are participating, and the special Restaurant Week menu they are offering.

Is there a special menu?

Yes. Each restaurant will offer a special Restaurant Week menu as well as their regular menu.

Do I need tickets in advance?

No. There are no tickets or vouchers. However, gift certificates are available online on the "Gift Certificate" page.

Do I need reservations?

Some restaurants suggest reservations in advance. You can make them directly through the restaurant(s) you choose. Some restaurants are also accepting reservations through the Open Table system online; you can access the URL from the "Restaurant List Page."

Does each restaurant serve both lunch and dinner?

No. Please check with the restaurant(s) of your choice to find out which meals they are offering Restaurant Week menus for. This information is also available on the "Restaurant List Page."

Does each restaurant offer the Restaurant Week menu every day?

No. Please check with the restaurant(s) of your choice to find out which days they are participating in Restaurant Week. This information is also available under individual restuarant pages, accessed from the "Restaurant List Page."

Is parking available?
Many independent restaurants have their own parking.
You can park in casino self-park garages or use the casino valets for a nominal fee (fees are posted as you enter).
The South Jersey Transportation Authority is offering discount parking in their lot on Christopher Columbus Blvd. between Atlantic and Arctic Avenues. Have the participating restaurant stamp the back of your parking ticket or give you a business card to present at the parking booth for a $4 parking rate (regularly $7 weekdays and $12 weekends). Please do not staple anything to the parking ticket.

How can I get Restaurant Week information if I’m on the road? Call the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority’s information center toll-free at 1-888-AC-VISIT (1-888-228-4748).
If you have Internet access on your cell phone, key in www.acrestaurantweek.com, and your mobile service will redirect you to the list of participating restaurants. You can then view the phone number, address and directions to the eatery of your choice. Click on the phone number link to dial the restaurant immediately.

What’s the best way to get to Atlantic City?

There are many convenient ways to get to and around Atlantic City:
By car, via the Atlantic City Expressway.
By train:
Daily service between Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and the Atlantic City Rail Terminal, with free shuttles from the terminal to all casinos.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday service between New York City’s Penn Station and the Atlantic City Rail Terminal, with one stop in Newark and free shuttles available to Caesars, Harrah’s and Borgata casinos.
Cab service is also available at the Atlantic City Rail Terminal.
Jitney service (see below) is available on Michigan Avenue, just up the street from the Atlantic City Rail Terminal.
By bus from many regional destinations to the Atlantic City Bus Station, Michigan and Atlantic Avenues. Cabs are available at the bus station, and the station is also within walking distance of many restaurant locations and Jitney service.

How can I get around Atlantic City once I’m there? Cabs are readily available at all casino valet areas and throughout Atlantic City. If you are traveling between two points within the city’s boundaries, the maximum cab fare is $13 per ride, plus tip. For destinations outside of Atlantic City, please ask the driver what the fare will be.
Jitneys, Atlantic City’s unique 13-passenger mini-buses, run continuously 24-hours a day along Pacific Avenue. There are also Jitney routes to the Marina District casinos (Harrah’s, Trump Marina and Borgata) and up Michigan Avenue to Atlantic City Outlets-The Walk. Look for curbside signs for boarding locations. The fare is $2.25 per ride.
Rolling chairs are covered wicker chairs pushed by operators along the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Fares are based on distance.

Are there any special hotel rates if I want to stay over?

Yes, special rates and hotel packages are available during Restaurant Week. For details, please visit "Lodging Page", our "Hotel Packages Page", or our "Hotel Specials Page." You can also call the Visitor Information service at 1-888-AC-VISIT (1-888-228-4748) or stop in at the Visitor Information Centers for assistance in booking a room. The centers are located at mile marker 3.5 on the Atlantic City Expressway and at the corner of Mississippi Avenue and the Boardwalk in Boardwalk Hall.

What else is there to do while I’m in Atlantic City?

My first choice is call Mark Arbeit and look for a shore property! However, the Atlantic City area is jam-packed with great shopping and entertainment opportunities, world-class spas, cultural attractions, championship caliber golf, 11 exciting casinos and more. For information, please visit http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/. You can also call the Visitor Information service at 1-888-AC-VISIT (1-888-228-4748) or stop in at the Visitor Information Centers for assistance. The centers are located at mile marker 3.5 on the Atlantic City Expressway and at the corner of Mississippi Avenue and the Boardwalk in Boardwalk Hall.