Month: September 2010

  • Shore Pictures

    My work computer is once again “talking” with my cell phone for e-mail and pictures.

     

    For those of you missing my exciting beach walk photos…    😉

    By the way, the Ocean Drive toll bridge between Avalon and Sea Isle City will be closed for approximately 3 weeks starting next Wednesday (10/6).  After looking at the corroded metal while waiting for a boat to pass under, I can confirm that this bridge is in SERIOUS need of repair!

  • September Market Stats

    Avalon & Stone Harbor, NJ– sale stats for the past 30 days.

    31 properties SOLD (settlement).  Ranging from $310,000 for a hotel/condo unit on 79th Street; to $3,300,000 for an ocean front single family home on 27th Street.  The median sold price was $1,150,000.  Average days on the market- 294.  Break down by town: 7 of the properties sold were in Stone Harbor; 24 in Avalon.  25 were single family homes; 5 condo/townhouse units, and 1 duplex (sold for land value- new side by side units to be built on the site).

    There are an additional 42 properties SALE PENDING (settlement scheduled within the next few months).  The list prices range from $364,900 for another hotel/condo on 79th Street; to $4,695,000 for a new, custom bay front home on 42nd Street.  The median list price is $1,048,250.  Break down by town: 12 in Stone Harbor; and 30 in Avalon.  26 are single family homes; 15 condo/townhouse units; and 1 vacant lot.

  • Fall Weather

    A very pleasant transition to fall.  This picture was taken yesterday…a perfect beach day 🙂

    At the shore, our fall colors include blooming Golden Rod in the dunes, and the marsh grass fading to a soft yellow.

    Seasonal stores and restaurants are posting their closing dates.  Some will wrap it up Columbus Day weekend, while others will remain open through Christmas.  We appreciate the hardy business owners who stay open year-round!

  • The End of Summer

    Warm temperatures, a steady sea breeze, and bright sunshine…the Jersey Shore’s transition to fall.

    And tonight, an almost full moon rising over the ocean at sunset. 

    Another sign of fall?  The seagulls wandering the beach are the size of small dogs!

  • Big Waves

     

    Powerful waves late yesterday when I walked along the beach after work.   Even the fishermen at Stone Harbor point were being cautious.

    Fall officially begins later this week…but I’m counting on a few more beach days!

  • Stone Harbor- video

    http://www.youtube.com/user/AnnDelaneyBeach   Just posted interior and exterior view videos of 222 104th Street, Stone Harbor (sale listing).  I know, I know…don’t give up my day job!

     For more pictures and details of this charming old seashore home, visit the Power Play web site: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/244

    Thanks for your interest!

  • Sunrise/Sunset

    It’s not unusual for those of us who live on the island to start and end each day by the water.  My view this morning as I crossed over the beach path for a walk.   The sun rising over the ocean…very pretty.

    On my way home from work, I noticed the calm bay and higher than average tide- perfect conditions for kayaking.  Watched the brilliant red sunset over the marsh before returning to dry land. 

    Whew…a productive day all around!

  • Wings ‘n Water Festival

    My early morning version of wings ‘n water.  A beautiful day at the shore!

    The island is active with home owners and visitors.  The Wetlands Institute has a full weekend of events planned : http://wetlandsinstitute.org/

     If you are house hunting, stop by 222 104th Street, Stone Harbor.  Charming old seashore restored with quality amenities.

  • Island Gardens

    The salt air can be a challenge for home owners who want a colorful seaside garden.  Yet there are numerous blocks in town with beautiful lawns, colorful trees, and flowers. 

    Green thumb owners create peer pressure within a neighborhood.  The plain stone yard with minimal landscaping previously represented the typical shore house.  On some blocks, that property now looks out of place.

    Related observation:  Have you noticed how many landscape vehicles are on the island each week?  Obviously, most owners do NOT have a green thumb 😉

  • Mold

    We live on an island…surrounded by water.  There are many days when we can actually SEE the moisture in the air.

    This unique environment requires homes to be properly vented to prevent damage from moisture and mold. 

    1) Crawl Space: open the foundation vents in the spring and replace the crawl space door with a screened door (Richardson’s Screen on 39th and Ocean Drive will make one to fit).  Remove any debris in the crawl- especially wood products.  Left over decking is “lunch” for termites.  Unless your ground regularly floods, a vapor barrier is recommended (basically, a thick plastic cover for the dirt).  Close the vents/ crawl door in the fall to protect exposed water pipes during the cold months.

    2) Attic: The soffit vents (around the perimeter of the house) need to be clear of insulation.  Newer homes have ridge vents to help with air flow.

    3) Drainage:  Most newer homes do not have gutters.  This drives the home inspectors crazy!  Make sure water does not flow toward the house (and into the crawl space) after a heavy rain.  Also check the water flow from the outside shower- proper grading will help.  Trim landscaping away from foundation vents.  And remember the old landscaping design with raised beds and railroad ties?  This is a termite and moisture combination that will ultimately cause major problems.