Ocean City is in the throes of its annual population swell, during which the east coast seaside hamlet with the full-time population of about 7,000 residents hosts many millions of visitors. More than a few are charmed into staying—for a season or longer.
They come from “Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey,” says Nancy Reither-Smith, International President’s Premier agent, top producer in the Ocean City, Maryland, and Delaware beach regions for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage—Mid-Atlantic, and listing agent for the most expensive home ever listed in Ocean Beach, which is currently for sale for $3,599,000. “Those who have their primary residence in Florida also purchase second homes here to escape the Florida summer heat.”
A growing off-season over the past few years, with businesses opening sooner—or never closing—plus festivals, 5k walks/runs, arts and culture, and holiday festivities galore filling up the calendar throughout the year, has made full-time living in Ocean City an increasingly attractive prospect. Especially when it comes to full-time ownership. The second-home market is, indeed, booming here, especially in the luxury sector. We looked to Reither-Smith for some insight.
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Nancy Reither-Smith One
Walking the beach and listening to the waves break is the ultimate in peace and tranquility, but nightlife abounds at over 200 restaurants and bars for times when you need high-energy excitement. There’s kayaking and paddle boarding for some quiet time on the Bay, and jet skiing and motor boating when high-horsepower watersports are calling your name. The OC Convention Center brings first-class musical entertainment and performing arts that you can enjoy after a day at Ocean City’s many golf courses, tennis courts, amusement parks, and water slides. And, no visit to Ocean City is ever complete without a walk on the more than two-mile-long boardwalk. Ocean City also hosts the annual White Marlin Open, the most prestigious and highest-prize-money fishing competition in the world.
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Nancy Reither-Smith
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Nancy Reither-Smith
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Nancy Reither-Smith
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Nancy Reither-Smith
Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
Nancy Reither-Smith
Agents need to listen and understand what lifestyle the luxury buyer is seeking and find the home that achieves it. What are their passions? Cooking, entertaining, boating, fishing? Is accommodating children and grandchildren an important consideration? Your goal as an agent is to find the home that best fits that luxury buyer and make the buying process smooth.
Current luxury homes for sale in Ocean City include:
12933 Old Bridge Rd
Ocean City, MD
Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, 6,050 square feet
$3,599,000
Located on an acre of waterfront land with sunset views extending to the Ocean City skyline, this one-of-a-kind architectural home is as spectacular as its location, “with unmatched architecture and construction using the finest craftsmanship and materials available in the world,” says Reither-Smith. Features include a circular drive, extensive use of glass, steel, concrete, and marble, and a state-of-the-art Boffi kitchen. A glass skywalk leads to a fitness center, lounge, numerous decks, a second master suite, and guest suites. Outdoors, owners will revel in the saltwater pool, hot tub, fire pit, putting green, and custom waterfall with koi pond.
310 S. Heron Gull Court
Ocean City, MD
Six bedrooms, six bathrooms, 5,800 square feet
$1,499,000
This seaside property is the only new construction home in the highly desirable Heron Harbour Isle community and offers an ideal floorplan, high-end finishes, and every amenity for waterfront living. The gourmet kitchen features a center island, breakfast bar, quartz and granite countertops, and Bosch and Thermador stainless steel appliances, and flows directly into great room. Drink in the water views from here, or head outside to the deck to watch the sunset. Boaters will also love the pier and boat slip with 10,000-pound lift. This home also presents a first-floor master suite and separate office, an oversized mud room, an elevator, and a bunk loft.
4 Clubhouse Dr
Ocean Pines, MD
Six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, 5,000 square feet
$1,369,000
Popular with retirees, “Ocean Pines is a wonderful community with a yacht club, restaurants, golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, pickleball courts and much more,” says Reither-Smith, “and has been rated one of the top retirement communities in the country.” This custom residence is right on the open water, with skyline views, two boat lifts, and two jet ski lifts, for the ultimate outdoor lifestyle. A few of the home’s impressive interior features include: A professional chef’s kitchen, a downstairs master suite with fireplace and separate sitting room, mud room, guest quarters, and an oversized garage, plus breathtaking water views throughout.