Join your Avalon and Stone Harbor neighbors for the 25th Annual Fall Beach Sweep this Saturday, October 23rd.
Enjoy a morning walk along the sand while contributing to a clean environment. Volunteers will meet at 9am on 30th Street in Avalon, and on 95th Street in Stone Harbor. For more information: http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/
Back home after a long weekend visit to the mountains of North Carolina.Â
Saw changing leaves… and adorable grandchildren!
It was mild and sunny this morning for my beach walk.Â
Unfortunately, the afternoon view from my office window is dark and dreary.
The sun is scheduled to return tomorrow…
Sheets and towels? Basic amenities for any vacation rental.Â
Yet, summer rentals at the Jersey Shore continue the custom of tenants supplying their own bedding and towels. Based on my personal travel/renting experiences, we may be one of the last areas with this requirement.
I met with the owner of www.relaxconcierge.com today and we discussed options for landlords and tenants. Currently, there are several local companies (including Relax Concierge) offering sheet/towel rentals for tenants. Another approach would be for owners to contract for the service and offer it as an amenity.
This “perk” would be welcomed and appreciated by tenants- especially those renting large homes. The cost (an average of $160 per week for a four bedroom home) could be built in to the rental rate, similar to cleaning fees.
A unique way to set your shore rental property apart from the competition.
Construction of townhouse units and condominium buildings boomed during the 1980’s. In Stone Harbor, the increase was driven by a pending change in zoning. In Avalon, land along the bay zoned for marina use was developed with multi-unit complexes.
Many of the larger buildings have been upgraded with maintenance free siding and decks- often incorporating new architectural details for a contemporary look.
I noticed this renovation project of a side by side building on 79th Street- smart for the property owners to update to the facade while installing new exterior materials.
The fact that we live on the island year round is intriguing to some. Reactions vary between envy, and pity (which I don’t understand- look at my view as I walk along the beach!)Â
And, I can always count on the same follow up question from a new acquaintance: “Where are you from originally?”  “Here, actually”  I say. “I was raised in Avalon, and my husband grew up in Wildwood.”
This catches them off guard.   We don’t look like trolls who lived under the causeway bridge…with the feral cats!  We’ve had normal lives, with a few added adventures of growing up in a seasonal community 😉  We have full time jobs and love to travel. And we feel fortunate to call this area our “home” .
The ever changing landscape of Stone Harbor point.Â
From the parking lot on 123rd Street, you can walk along several miles of beach…practically to North Wildwood!
Beautiful weather for a long walk on the beach, and the many Columbus Day weekend events.
There are a variety of loans available for home buyers…and even those labeled as “bad loans” by the media may be a good option for some. I speak from experience:
Our first mortgage was a subsidized Farmer’s Home Loan. It was true negative amortization. The house appreciated enough to pay back our subsidy and still break even when we sold. We were thankful that the program gave us a start as young homeowners.
The next purchase was made with a traditional 30 year fixed mortgage.  We refinanced with another 30 year fixed loan to help with a small addition on the house.Â
Then we bought a nearby vacant lot- the seller held the financing for a year until we sold our other home. We applied for a construction loan…and eventually converted to 30 year fixed once the new house was complete.
More creative borrowing options existed when we wanted to buy rental property (and eventually our current primary home).  Adjustable rate mortgages, option ARM, 80/10 loan (to avoid PMI), interest only loans, and owner financing enabled those purchases to work. Â
We have never held a property longer than 9 years (an important factor when considering loans).  The 30 year loan provides a sense of security, but it’s not always the most logical choice.Â
Discuss your plans and comfort level with a lender- it may save you thousands of dollars. If you need a recommendation for a local mortgage representative, let me know.  ann@anndelaney.com
P.S. The clock is ticking… We have owned our present location for 7 years, but maybe we should only count after we moved in to the new house built 5 years ago ;) less pressure that way!
Last week, air conditioning was needed to dry out and cool off from the tropical rain storm. In less than 1 week, our thermostat was set to heat to dry out and WARM up from a much cooler rain event.
Flip flops are optimistically sitting on the front porch…there might be another beach day yet!
Market Stats- Avalon & Stone Harbor
The sold properties ranged from $310,000 for a hotel/condo on 79th Street, to $2,815,000 for a large custom home on 65th Street. There were 16 sales in Avalon, and 4 in Stone Harbor. 11 were single family homes; 9 condo/townhouse units. 4 beach block; 3 bay front. The median selling price was $1,277,500.
Of of 46 sale pending, 16 are in Stone Harbor; 30 in Avalon. The median list price is $957,500.