Buyer Activity Picks Up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore

Spring has returned to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and appears to be bringing prospective buyers to the local real estate market. Interest in homes located in the three closest counties east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge spiked in the past 2 weeks as mass media reports of lower interest rates, stock market stabilization and tax incentives for first time home buyers raised confidence. Jimmy White, a realtor with Long and Foster on Kent Island believes the recent news is what prospective buyers have been waiting for.   “There is tremendous pent up demand among buyers who have been reluctant because of economic news,” said White.   “The fact is that there are many qualified buyers who are now feeling more comfortable going after their first home or a bigger home, or a waterfront or second home east of the Bay Bridge.  “Those buyers are finding a wide selection of homes offered, many at refreshed prices, ranging from the mid 200’s to multi-million dollar estates. There are a number of condo-town house communities with amenities like club houses, pools, tennis and walking paths.  Several, including Queens Landing and Oyster Cove, offer waterfronts with spectacular views and deeded slips. White says this type of unit is perfect as a weekend retreat and is an alternative to the two or three hour drive to Ocean City. “My wife and I had condos in Ocean City while our children were growing, up but when we became empty nesters that long drive and the crowds were not as much fun, that’s when we bought a waterfront in a golf course community.”

Within a short distance of the Bay Bridge there are several private communitys including Cove Creek Club, SouthWinds, Bennett Point and Prospect Bay, which is home to the Prospect Bay Country Club. Golf is also available at the semi private Atlantic Golf courses of Queenstown Harbor and the private club, Hunter’s Oak. The local towns of Stevensville, Chester, Queenstown and Grasonville comprise the Kent Island area which still has an island feel with many waterfront restaurants and cafes.  ”The Eastern Shore is a wonderful place to live or own investment property and with rates as low as they are, the selection as good as it is,  and the tax incentives now offered, it is a great time buy,”  said white adding, “and ya know, the sky is just a little bluer on this side of the Bridge.”