For a TRUE weather forecast at the beach, start with the temperature on the outside thermometer.  Subtract 10 degrees if there is a sustained northwest wind.  Add 5 back if there is sunshine and the dunes are blocking the wind.  Subtract 20 degrees if the wind is off the ocean- the dampness factor!

I often feel “over dressed” as I leave the house…then grateful for the extra layers once I am on the beach.

Last tip- if you walk fast and stay distracted by the views…you will feel warm(ish) even on the worst day

A total of 24 properties sold; 12 single family homes, 11 condo/townhouse units, and 1 commercial property.

Condo/Townhouse Sales:  ranged from $160,000 for a 1 bedroom/1 bath Beachcomber condo/motel unit; to $825,000 for new construction side by side townhouse style on 29th Street.  There were 4 sales in Stone Harbor; 7 in Avalon.  The median selling price was $420,000.

Single Family Sales: ranged from a low of $845,000 for an upside down style home with wetlands views on 24th Street; to $3,800,000 for a 1960′s era tear down on the beach front of 17th Street.  There were 3 sales in Stone Harbor; 9 in Avalon.  Median selling price was $1,550,000.

Commercial Sale:  97th and Third Avenue- 3 store fronts plus 2nd floor offices.  Located on the bay.  Sold for $1,800,000.

In addition, there are 31 properties Under Contract, with settlement scheduled to occur within the next few months.

Flowers blooming in our yard

The nice weather is providing a jump start on our spring market

The last picture was taken at the Cove in Cape May looking toward the lighthouse.  How often do you see beach chairs in use in February??

The newer flat screens will be fine, however, older TV sets (often used in bedrooms), will need an adapter.

Call Comcast  877-634-4434; or order on line www.comcast.com/digitalnow

If you decide to stop by the business office at 32nd and Dune Drive in Avalon, be sure your name is on the account.  They will not allow a spouse to make any changes unless the name is specified on the account (personal experience on this).

After 4 seasons of regular use, the Rockport’s are ready for retirement.  The tread is worn, and (gasp) sand is somehow leaking inside the shoe.  Even though I live at the beach, sand is NOT welcome in my home  

Footwear is so specific, and the sales people in the sport stores really want to help you find the most suitable shoe.  Did I sense a smirk when I requested hiking shoes for the beach?  Hey…I walk through the soft sand, and occasionally, climb over a jetty rock!

So, I spent more money than I expected, but beach hiking requires just the right shoe.  My feet are warm AND the sand stays outside on the porch with my shoes. 

Happy trails…

The charming cottages were built in the early 1900′s; with total living space of less than 500 square feet!

I have a personal connection with the cottages:

My father passed away in 1993.  Several years later to acknowledge his birthday, my mother gave my sisters and me each a check.  She said it was a gift from our dad, and we should do something special for ourselves.  I held on to the check for months- waiting for just the right reason to cash it.

Later that year, I was showing a basic cottage on Weber Court that was new on the sale market.  My customers were overwhelmed with the amount of work needed, but I saw great potential.  My father’s gift became the initial deposit check on a contract to purchase!  My husband and I renovated the cottage, and eventually sold it in 2002 before purchasing our current location.

After we built our new home, my mother gave me the attached photo.  It’s my father’s family on vacation in Stone Harbor…in a cottage…on Weber Court.  My father used to talk about his childhood summers in Stone Harbor in a small house, but I had no idea of the location until I looked closely at the photo (addresses on the Court are a unique combination of a letter and number).

From my house, I can see the cottage pictured.  I love the idea that the “7 year old version of my father” and I share the same beach.  And, I am sure he is pleased with how I spent my “gift” 

Picture was taken last evening just after sunset - from inside our Jeep!  Very windy on the beach.

Much better today- sunny, calm, and moderate temperatures.  An ideal weekend to ride down and finalize your summer plans.   

I’m in the office to help with sales and rentals  609-967-7950 or ann@anndelaney.com