Author Archives: ann

Flood Insurance

A common question from prospective buyers:  “What is the cost for flood insurance?”

33W26thThe variables:  elevation of the street and elevation of the structure (typically, the blocks closer to the beach have a higher elevation than those by the bay).

An elevation certificate is required for an insurance agent to quote a new policy.  The certificate (prepared by a surveyor) will state the elevation at the curb and the lowest floor of the structure, as well as details regarding vents.

Homes built prior to 1974 were not subject to the elevation requirements of FEMA, and may sit lower than required by the current code. This translates to a higher rate for flood insurance.

Newer homes and those elevated (see recent blog post) benefit from a more favorable rate.

 

 

Posted in Seashore Real Estate | Comments closed

Crazy or Lucky?

Occasionally, I meet someone who can’t understand how anyone could live on the island year round.  “Isn’t is desolate?” (Yes, at times).  “And how about the wind?”  (Our house does rattle a bit in the winter)  “Is anything open?” (We always have Wawa!).

However...

BeachViewI see a different view each and every day as I walk over the beach path.

I have shared my beach walks with seals, snowy owls, and even a bald eagle.

I have walked along a snow and ice covered beach.

I feel the warmth of a rising sun reflecting off the ocean.

I find beautiful sea glass at the water’s edge.

I have quietly squealed when surrounded by dolphins while ocean kayaking.

I have ducked from a great blue heron taking flight while kayaking in the bay.

I am able to breathe in fresh salt air year round.

I witness the seasonal change of colors of the marsh and dune grass.

I watch the full moon rise gracefully over the horizon.

I watch the colors of a setting sun fill the western sky.

Yes, I’m grateful to live here 🙂

 

 

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Ready for Spring?

Snow scrapers, winter boots, sneakers, and flip flops…prepared for March weather 😉

Porchshoes

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Irish Roots

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  

 Belfast, Northern Ireland–  my husband was disappointed - Delaney’s restaurant didn’t sell logo t-shirts. The owner said that’s “an American thing”!

On my father’s side: my grandmother was born in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena and the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland.  A real mixed marriage!

They met and married in Philadelphia, and vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer while raising 6 children.  In the 1950s, my grandparents built a year round home in Avalon.  A family business brought the sons and daughters (some with spouses and young children) from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.

After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can totally understand my grandfather’s love of the shore.  Sand in our shoes… and salt air in our lungs 😉

Sláinte!

Pictures from our 2008 trip to Northern Ireland.

cliffsireland.jpgirelandirelandbeach.jpg

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Speaking of March colors…

Wow…such a beautiful sunrise sky this morning.  Shades of pink, orange, purple, red, and yellow.

MarchColors

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Wearing of the Green?

Not quite yet.  The dune grass is still a golden brown.  Will be turning bright green soon!

dunes

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Sunday Sights

Hat and gloves for me…and a wet suit for the early morning surfer!

SundayMarchSundaySunrise

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Opening Soon…

A welcome “sign of the season”!

Many shops and restaurants are ready for summer 2015, and opening for long weekends.

Happy to see the island return to life 🙂

96thStreet

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Beach Time!

BeachMarch

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Renovate/Elevate, or Build New?

Construction code in Avalon and Stone Harbor: “If you improve or reconstruct for more than 50% of the value of your building, you must meet the construction requirements for a new building by elevating your structure so that the elevated floor is one foot above base flood elevation.” 

The required elevation varies by location – blocks closer to the beach tend to haves a higher elevation than those near the bay.

An elevation certificate is required with a building permit.

Owners of non-conforming structures can weigh the pros/cons of the cost to elevate versus eventually tearing down and building new.

ElevatedHouse

 

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