This is the first blog post I am writing -- it is an excerpt from an Atlantic City Press article I wrote in January 2008.  I hope you enjoy...

I want to start by wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year!  It should not take a New Year for us to re-evaluate our lives or count our blessings so, open your eyes!  No, really open them the next time you go to work.  We live in such a gorgeous area.  Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you are a hop, skip and jump from a fabulous beach or bay.  The sunsets are magificent and we are all blessed to live in such a great place.  If you want to see a show, shop, dine out, or relax -- things are only getting better and better.  Our choices are expanding and billions of dollars are being pumped in the Atlantic City area.

The natural beauty of this are is what makes everyone want to live here.  When Borgata opened and advertised for employees, they had their pick because thousands came.  When the new casinos open, and they will be here very shortly, thousands more will come.  Don't listen to the news.  Real estate is local.  The market in Iowa is not the same as the market in Texas.  he market in California is not the same as Manhattan.  REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL!  Our market is alive and will grow despite the bad press.  No one can ignore the growth happening in our town at this moment.  Ride around Atlantic City -- you won't believe the changes.  It's very exciting, and affects all of us in a positive way.

The law of supply and demand will come into play once again.  I believe property values will increase once again as year-round buyers compete against second home buyers for the same homes near the water and near their new casino jobs.  So don't wait -- don't miss the buying opportunities that exist right now in this area!

12 Reasons It's a Fabulous Time to Buy Property in Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport and Brigantine

1.  Interest rates are very low and remaining low.

2.  There is a very large selection as a buyer and you have a better chance of finding what you want.

3.  There are fewer price wars.

4.  Sellers are more motivated to make the repairs to properties than ever before.

5.  Realtors who are not quite as busy in winter can give you more time and attention in your search.

6.  You will probably be able to get price, condition, and location if you offer a quick settlement.  Just remember, nothing is perfect.

7.  You have more negotiating room now than you will have in a "hot" spring market.  Remember:  the warmer it gets, the more buyers come out.

8.  It is a fabulous time to buy a condo or duplex as an investment, because so many people are looking to relocate and want to rent first.  Yearly rentals are way up!

9.  You don't have to worry about properties declining on this island and the casinos, roads, hotels, airport, shopping and everything around you is improving on a daily basis, and the ocean is not moving.  (Don't forget the new, direct train service between Atlantic City and New York City!)

10.  Why look back and be sorry?  Pick up the phone today and change your life.

11.  Stop paying rent -- a good realtor can get you into a property for not much more than a 1st month's rent and security deposit.  Often you only need 3% of your own money.

12.  Motivated sellers will help with closing costs or assessments now. 

The casinos, hotels, shopping centers, all have done very expensive market studies before they invested their billions of dollars into Atlantic City.  So make a new property, a new home you always wanted -- a condo, a duplex, or even a peice of land -- one of your New Year's resolutions.  You won't be sorry when you invest in Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate, or Longport real estate -- which, at today's prices, are a sure bet!