Reading through my old blog posts is a sobering reminder of our shared experience these past 3 years.
It’s been a roller coaster ride of worry, fear, stress, and hope. The forced downtime provided perspective, and for me, even more appreciation for where I live and work.
We’ve had to change and adapt. And randomly, we realize that the pandemic has altered how we approach so many situations.
Our compact “yard” is in full bloom!
While catching up with one of my long time owners (I handled the purchase of their current Avalon home 30 years ago) we discussed the length of time in our respective professions. I joked that not only have I been selling Avalon and Stone Harbor real estate for over 40 years, my office locations have all been within 3 blocks of my current spot.
That conversation prompted me to really think about ALL of the properties I have sold over the years.
While driving the length of the island, I realize that there are only a few streets where I haven’t listed or sold at least one home. Humbling!
I am grateful for my long real estate career and the wonderful relationships established with so many families. And of course I am still here for your future business and referrals!
“A Lifetime of Experience”
Completely renovated 2nd floor unit in the perfect Stone Harbor NJ location.
A quiet residential neighborhood (with bay views!) and an easy stroll to downtown restaurants, movie theater, and charming boutiques.
For more details, photos, and a virtual tour: MLS Link
Please contact me to discuss! 609-967-7950 ann.delaney@tksir.com
Effective Spring 2023, both Avalon and Stone Harbor will implement new trash and recycling container requirements.
Stone Harbor:
“Standardizing trash can size to 64 gallons (31.8†long x 24.25†wide x 41.75†high), equipped with wheels and a bar that allows the can to be tipped into the truck. The Borough will provide a list of retailers where homeowners can purchase the cans. Required compliance is set for May 1, 2023â€.
Avalon:
“As previously announced, the Borough intends to purchase and distribute new, uniform roll off solid waste and recycling carts for the community in 2023. These roll off carts will improve efficiency with trash collection while restricting trash from impacting the marine environmentâ€.
Property owners in both towns are reminded to remove non-compliant containers prior to the summer season so tenants/guests do not inadvertently use the wrong trash or recycle cans. Bulk trash pick up in early May will be an ideal time for disposal of old cans.
The agents and staff of Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty are proud to contribute to this success!
We have a variety of options available for the 2023 season.
Search our website: Â www.tksir.comÂ
And, I am here to help! Â 609-967-7950 Â or ann.delaney@tksir.com
Daffodils, crocus and hyacinths starting to bloom in our yard…and new growth on the dune grass.
It’s odd to think about all of the changes in our lives since 2020.
The other day, I was talking to the man who regularly picks up dry cleaning on the island (he was dropping off a bed comforter to me at my office). Â In the past, the local real estate offices kept him busy with dress shirts, suits, and silk blouses! Â I joked that we don’t dress up anymore…and he agreed that it’s changed his business.
Another recent conversation with a friend was about shopping malls. She mentioned that the King of Prussia Mall was deserted last week, and I realized I can’t even remember the last time I was inside a mall.  The “Amazon” effect was being felt before the pandemic, but now on-line shopping is the norm for many.
We live in a contactless society. Â Kiosks in Wawa, fast food restaurants and LabCorp. Â Self check out options at the Acme, CVS and Home Depot. Â I’m guessing the expansion of this technology was boosted by Covid protocols.
So how does this relate to real estate? Â Technology allows consumers to easily search for properties, and communicate remotely via text or email for more information. Â Yet Zillow does not know the fine details of a particular home and/or location. Â That’s why an experienced agent is key 🙂
I have a lifetime of experience of living/working on the island…and I’m here to help!
Thank you for your business and referrals.
ann.delaney@tksir.com
Flood Insurance for Avalon and Stone Harbor Owners
I attended the Flood Insurance presentation Tuesday evening at the Stone Harbor Borough Hall. Very informative.
Summary:
FEMA has updated how properties are rated. It’s the first major change since the program started back in 1968.
The process is now data driven. The elevation certificate is just one aspect of the information used to determine the cost of the policy. As of March 2023, all flood policies have been switched to this new rating system.
Data reviewed: replacement cost of the structure (determined by FEMA), number of floors, distance to a body of water, flood vents, and ground elevation. The location of the mechanicals is an important factor. All equipment must be installed at the 1st floor living level or higher, including the outside AC condenser unit.
As long as a home was built in compliance with the flood maps at the time, a homeowner will not be penalized on the rate.
New homes will now pay a higher premium based on the value of the structure. Although hopefully this cost is offset with the required compliance on elevation and mechanicals.
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The Community Rating System (CRS): each town earns credits for a variety of activities (outreach programs, stormwater management, open space preservation, construction standards, etc.) and these credits determine the discounts available to property owners.
Currently, Avalon has a class 3 rating (35% discount), and Stone Harbor has a class 7 rating (15% discount). Stone Harbor is working to improve their rating and expects to upgrade to a class 6 (20% discount) this year.
Private insurance is a viable option for owners of non-conforming structures. There are approximately 10 companies offering coverage in our area. The private companies are able to insure beyond the $250,000 cap of FEMA. The insurance agents also suggested a FEMA policy plus an excess policy if a homeowner requests additional coverage.
For non-confirming structures, FEMA uses the “improvements” figure on your tax bill to calculate permitted improvements. The municipality has to look at all improvements during the past 10 years to determine if any allowance is remaining.
On FEMA policies, the cost increase is capped at 18% per year. Private insurance companies are not regulated with a price cap. And FEMA policies continue to be transferable from a seller to a buyer.
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The public will have access to a floodplain data program called Forerunner. A potential buyer or property owner will be able to view elevation certificates, risk assessments, and flood zones for specific properties.
Ann 3/16/23