Pop the Champagne!

Time for the formal introductions: friends, family, [random strangers trolling the internet] - meet our new beach house. Beach house, meet our friends and family. This house is the first Murray-Bailey business (ad)venture [Murray-Bailey Ventures - a good name. We're one 'Jameson' short of a good irish law firm]. Melissa and I together with her parents have joined forces to bring an Ocean City home back into the family.

It's a charming and cozy duplex on the north end of the island and within a stone's throw of the boardwalk/beach/water. We really lucked out. It's one of the last 'original' beach houses on the street, now dwarfed by mc-mansions on either side. Aside from the traditional bookcase and pillars separating the common rooms, there are some great architectural details including traditional hardwood floors, crown molding, and high ceilings. The second floor is a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom. The first floor is a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom. With off-street parking, outdoor shower, covered porch, and even a bit of grass, it's a gem! [Did it sound like a sales pitch ;-)]

If this news catches you a bit off-guard, then here's the quick back story. Last August, the house was recently listed and we informally checked it out. After initial discussions with the agent, the price was still a bit high and the sellers were not interested in negotiating. Before long, an offer was extended by another party and the house was off the market - so we thought. Fast forward to November when Melissa stumbled across the listing online - 870 3rd St was available again! Melissa reopened the line of communication with the agent. [Did I mention the sales agent just happened to be a long-time friend of Melissa's parents :-)] An intense cross-continental negotiation ensued, a middle ground was reached, and the house was ours.

Remember this address: 870 3rd St OCNJ. We've listed it for seasonal and weekly rental at the following website:

http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/51728.html

Be sure to enquire about mates' rates ;-)