Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • January Sunshine

    A beautiful view this morning from the Avalon jetty (the birds weren’t thrilled about the interruption!)

    Jetty

  • Year Round Businesses

    ReedsWhen a new business opens on the island, and boldly proclaims their plan to stay open year-round, the local residents shrug.  We have heard it many times before…only to see the “Closed” sign on the door by late October.

    Our pessimism is based on experience.  Yet, is that pessimism also contributing to the winter closure?

    Obviously it’s a supply/demand issue (especially with restaurants).  Cape May manages to reach beyond its town borders to attract patrons…shouldn’t Avalon and Stone Harbor be able to do the same?

    This subject is on my mind because of recent visits to The Reeds.  The owners are making an effort to attract the “winter crowd” with a reasonable bar menu and lunch specials.  Like Congress Hall in Cape May, they hope to become the town “living room” in the off season.

    So this is my low key plug for all of the island businesses that stay with us year round.  We will show our appreciation, and spread the word.

     

  • Contrasting Colors

    Bright sun, dark clouds, and a Stone Harbor landmark:  Villa Maria by the Sea.

    VillaMaria

  • Sunday Sights

    The sun has returned!  AND temperatures remain moderate.

    frozenpipesUnfortunately, this will be the day of discovery for broken water pipes.  Now that the streets/sidewalks have dried, standing water around a property will be more obvious.

    Two tips for seasonal property owners:

    1) Install a whole house water shut off valve.  It won’t prevent a freeze, but it will lessen damage from running water.

    2) Hire a winter watch service if you are unable to check your property on a regular basis.

    If you need suggestions for either (or both), I am happy to help with recommendations.

  • Summer Plans?

    BeachTimeA good day to plan ahead for quality time on the beach 🙂

    Web site:   http://www.powerplayrealty.com/rentals

    Or call/email me directly, and I will forward suggestions based on your requirements.

       ann@anndelaney.com      609-967-7950

    Thank you for the opportunity to help!

     

     

     

  • More Owls!

    More Snowy owl sightings along the beach this morning: the high dune area of Avalon, and Stone Harbor Point!

    FridayOwlAvalon

    FridayOwl2FridayOwl

  • Really??

    When I see winter weather reports for Maine, Michigan, North Dakota, etc….I wonder…why do people choose to live there?

    I guess residents of warmer southern states are wondering the same thing about New Jersey!

    This picture was taken at the end of our beach drive on Friday. The snow is gone, but the COLD temperatures are here (7 degrees as of 11am).

    Jeep 2

     

  • Real Estate Review 2013

    Overview of 2013

    salesignAvalon single family homes-  a total of 117 sold.

    Sold prices ranged from $439,000 to $6,000,000; with a median selling price of $1,350,000.  The median days on market- 176.

    Avalon townhouse/condo units- a total of 69 sold.

    Sold prices ranged from $155,000 to $1,525,000; with a median selling price of $632,500. The median days on market- 142.

     

    Stone Harbor single family homes- a total of 65 sold.

    Sold prices ranged from $535,000 to $3,800,000; with a median selling price of $1,640,000. The median days on market- 196.

    Stone Harbor townhouse/condo units- a total of 44 sold.

    Sold prices ranged from $155,000 to $1,775,000; with a median selling price of $550,000.  The median days on market- 199.

     

    Properties reported under the multi-family category are often purchased for eventual single family use.  There were a total of 12 multi-family sales in Avalon and Stone Harbor.  Sold prices ranged from $720,000 to $1,100,000.  The median sold price was $832,500; and median days on market- 277.

    Information compiled from the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service

    For specific information on a neighborhood/location, please ask!  609-967-7950  or   ann@anndelaney.com

    Thank you for your interest.

  • Thank you!

    cardsCleaning my office after the Christmas holidays, and looking through the cards once last time.

    I especially enjoy the picture greeting cards- although they are a dose of reality.

    Weren’t the children babies when you purchased your beach house?  How can they be in college already?  Or worse, married and starting their own family!

    I am grateful to be involved…and maintain friendships, with so many families over the years.

    Buying a home at the shore is a dream, and I have the privilege to help.

    Thank you!

     

  • Beach Wear

    shoesNot high fashion…but I wear my practical beach “hiking” shoes all winter.  Especially handy today.

    It was nerve wracking to walk in the street – more ice than snow.  Much easier once I was on the beach.

    The sun is out and no wind.  Low temperatures…but it’s still a pretty day!

    On a warmer note…I’m in the office all weekend, and ready to help with your 2014 beach plans 🙂