Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • Almost Summer

    Dune grass is turning green, awnings are up, grass cutting by landscapers and Borough workers has resumed, more businesses are open, and…I didn’t need a hat or gloves to walk on the beach this morning!

    See you on the beach 🙂

  • Market Stats- Avalon & Stone Harbor, NJ

    During the last 30 days, 23 properties sold (settlement) in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ.  The median selling price for all sales: $980,000.

    15 single family sales: ranging from a low of $624,000 for a newer cottage on Bower Court in Stone Harbor, to $3,035,000 for a custom 3 level home on a large lot in the south end of Avalon.  The median selling price for single family homes: $1,450,000.  There were 11 sales in Avalon, and 4 in Stone Harbor.

    7 condo/townhouse sales: ranging from $290,000 for a basic 3 bedroom condo in Stone Harbor, to $1,350,000 for a new 3 level, side by side townhouse style on the bay in Avalon.  The median selling price: $535,000.  5 sales in Avalon, and 2 in Stone Harbor.

    1 vacant lot in the west block of 14th Street in Avalon sold for $980,000.

    There are an additional 48 properties sale pending- with settlement scheduled within the next few months.  The median asking price for all properties sale pending: $972,500.

    If you would like additional information regarding buying, selling, or renting in the Avalon/ Stone Harbor area, please let me know:  ann@anndelaney.com   I appreciate your interest!

  • Sunday Sights

    Wild night of storms- including heavy rain, high winds, and lightning.

    The “horizontal rain” caused minor leaks in 2 south facing windows- I could hear the rain hitting our house in an unusual way and was on high alert!

    The wind pushed the ocean up to the dunes along the beach.  The Point at the south end of Stone Harbor was completely exposed, and flooded over…an unusual sight. 

    On the plus side, the equipment for the beach fill project continues to arrive. 

    This pipe is connected to others that extend out to the inlet.  Soon, large metal pipes will be lining the beach to pump  in the new sand.

    It’s a fascinating process to watch- and I will of course post pictures 🙂

  • Getting Ready?

    We brought along a few beach chairs while visiting family in the mountains of North Carolina last week.

    Although we had to dress for the cooler temperatures, time out in the sun felt great.  No harm in practicing for upcoming days on the beach!

    Only 41 days until Memorial Day weekend  🙂

  • More beach info

    Avalon, NJ-  Update on the spring beach fill:

     Trucks are actively delivering the large metal pipes used to pump the new sand, and the dredge equipment was spotted this morning off of Stone Harbor heading north. 

    The sound of beeping tractors can’t be too far behind!

  • Price Reduced!

    South-end Avalon for $799,999!

    Totally renovated interior.  5 bedrooms, 3.5 elegant baths, plus a bonus 3rd floor loft.  Gas heat and central air.  Sundeck with southern exposure.  2 blocks to a wide beach.

    On the market for summer rentals @ $3300 per week in prime time. Purchase before the season and collect the rental income!

    Nearby: family owned deli on 68th Street, playground and bird sanctuary on 74th Street; Bay Park boat launch on 55th Street. 

    For more details and interior photos of 295 65th Street, Avalon NJ:

    http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/245  

    and interior videos: http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach#p/u/7/1z2OQdNFcGA

    http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach#p/u/11/4WerHGppzBk

    Or contact me: ann@anndelaney.com

    Thank you for your interest!

  • April at the Beach

    Chilly again this morning, but warming up with the sun.

    A few of my summer neighbors are down for the weekend.  I said hello to a neighbor this morning:  he was walking his dog wearing shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt; I was wearing my winter coat, hat, and gloves!  Once I walked over the beach path, I was glad for the extra layers.

    I took the lower picture late Thursday afternoon.  The beach survey tower is on site in preparation of the Borough of Avalon beach fill project.

    After the Avalon beaches are replenished, the equipment will move south to Stone Harbor.

  • Sand Blizzard

    The wind- a major factor when you live near the beach.

    The direction and mph effect decisions ranging from outdoor activities to trash can placement!

    Last night, the sustained south winds created a “sand blizzard” on the beach.

    I posted a short video on YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach

    On a positive note, we could consider this natural beach replenishment…blowing the excess sand from North Wildwood to Stone Harbor!

  • The Sunday Beach Bum

    Thinking of my father today.  He worked 6 days a week, so Sundays were a sacred day…at the beach. 

    My dad inherited hardy Irish skin that turned dark brown in the summer months.  Sunscreen and the giant yellow umbrella with the lethal metal pole were for the rest of the family who just freckled and burned! 

    My mother laughs when decribing all of the equipment hauled to the beach, along with 4 children: a large playpen (even heavier than the massive umbrella), beach chairs, buckets, coolers, etc.  And of course, my father’s fishing gear.  At a certain age, my sisters and I were permitted to walk back to the house to retrieve more food and beer for the grown ups (wrapping the beer in foil to trick the lifeguards…)  

    The Sunday tradition continued with the next generation.  My sons enjoyed beach days with “Pop Pop” and followed the rules at the end of the day: “call” your turn for the outside shower, and hang bathing suits/towels on the line.  All beach items were thoroughly rinsed, set in the sun to dry, and of course, neatly stored by night fall. Even though we grew up by the beach,  sand was NEVER permitted in the house!

       Long beach days are an ongoing tradition with our family.  My father’s rules are now enforced at my house (I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown the day this picture was taken…I am my father’s daughter!)

    The love of the beach…and family time together.  Thanks, Dad.

  • Shore Homes & Vents

    I attended an interesting seminar today regarding flood vents (I am such a house nerd).

    The cost for flood insurance is based on the elevation of the home (how high it sits off of the ground), and proper venting of the structure.   If the venting does not conform to current codes, the home owner will pay a substantially higher insurance premium.

    Interesting facts:  the bottom of all vents can be no higher than 12″ above grade (for example- the upper row of vents shown in the photo are disqualified); the standard sliding aluminum vents must be disabled in the open position to qualify (not practical in the winter months with exposed pipes); garages and detached buildings must be vented; and if the inside grade on all 4 walls of the crawl space is lower than the outside grade, insurance regulations classify the space as a basement.

    Engineered vents (such as SmartVents) are common in new construction and to retrofit an exisiting house to conform to the codes.  For more information: http://www.smartvent.com/  or contact your insurance agent.