Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • Mold

    We live on an island…surrounded by water.  There are many days when we can actually SEE the moisture in the air.

    This unique environment requires homes to be properly vented to prevent damage from moisture and mold. 

    1) Crawl Space: open the foundation vents in the spring and replace the crawl space door with a screened door (Richardson’s Screen on 39th and Ocean Drive will make one to fit).  Remove any debris in the crawl- especially wood products.  Left over decking is “lunch” for termites.  Unless your ground regularly floods, a vapor barrier is recommended (basically, a thick plastic cover for the dirt).  Close the vents/ crawl door in the fall to protect exposed water pipes during the cold months.

    2) Attic: The soffit vents (around the perimeter of the house) need to be clear of insulation.  Newer homes have ridge vents to help with air flow.

    3) Drainage:  Most newer homes do not have gutters.  This drives the home inspectors crazy!  Make sure water does not flow toward the house (and into the crawl space) after a heavy rain.  Also check the water flow from the outside shower- proper grading will help.  Trim landscaping away from foundation vents.  And remember the old landscaping design with raised beds and railroad ties?  This is a termite and moisture combination that will ultimately cause major problems.

  • Comcast Boxes

    Years ago, when you sold a home- the phone had to be returned to the phone company (the equipment was leased- not owned).  We now face with the same requirement with cable boxes.

    Am I the only one who finds this a bit complicated?  The television, DVD player, and often a stereo share what seems like hundreds of wires.  Will the average homeowner be able to re-configure this set up?

    Yesterday, I returned 3 boxes to Comcast on behalf of a seller.  After settlement, the new buyer will have to pick up 3 new boxes and connect them back in.  Seems like an odd procedure to me…

    Also, if you subscribe to seasonal service (May-Oct), Comcast requires the return of the boxes for the winter.  This will obviously encourage owners to keep full service year round to avoid the hassle.

    P.S.  In our second home market, most properties are sold furnished, including electronics (flat screen TV’s and the associated equipment).  This difference makes the return of the cable box (one piece in the puzzle of boxes and wires!) more complicated.

  • Sand Shark

    Great sand sculpture on the beach in Stone Harbor spotted during an evening walk.

    Very creative people on the beach… while the rest of us feel productive with a beach chair, umbrella, and a good book!

  • A Day To…

    Surf with the Nuns (111th Street surfing contest)… go fishing… walk the beach & sing along with your iPod (sorry, that was me)… get married (congrats to Pat and Alli)… celebrate a birthday… be thankful… and remember the profound shared grief  9 years ago today.

  • September Sky

     

    There is something unique about the sky in September- more contrast with the clouds and sun, especially near the ocean.  The view during my morning beach walk changes with the seasons-  so fortunate to be a year round observer!

    Weekend events:  Nun’s Beach Surf contest Saturday on 111th Street, Stone Harbor; and the Avalon Street Fair- Sunday on 30th Street, Avalon.

  • 222 104th Street, Stone Harbor

    Do you know a buyer for this home?

    Vintage Stone Harbor Craftsman style cottage.  Built in 1946 and thoughtfully restored in 2005 incorporating quality amenities.  5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 zone gas heat/central air, gas fireplace, great kitchen, maintenance free exterior, covered porch and huge sun deck, 2 car detached garage, and an over-sized lot.  $1,599,000 attractively furnished.

    For additional information and photos: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/244

    Thank you for your interest!

  • Sand Removal

    Strong south west winds today- blowing the soft sand across the beach.

    My mission today was sand removal- from my house and car. 

    Although I love living at the shore…I prefer the sand stay on the beach.  Somehow, it sneaks in when I’m not looking!    Thank goodness for my favorite household amenity:  central vac  😉

  • Empty Beach

    Labor Day at sunset…very quiet on the beach!

    Other than random storms, September is known as the best month at the shore.  Make sure you schedule a beach day soon.

    P.S.  It’s bulk trash week in Avalon– last day to put unwanted items on the curb is Monday morning, September 13th.  Bulk trash in Stone Harbor is September 20th.

  • Surf with the Nuns

      The Villa Maria by the Sea retreat house is a wonderful landmark in Stone Harbor, NJ.  The Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) occupy the house all summer, and generously share their beach with the community.

    The annual surfing contest is a major fund raiser to help maintain the structure and grounds. 

    Join the surfers- young and not so young- next Saturday on the 111th Street beach for this fun event.  The Sisters will be on hand to sell you a sweatshirt or t-shirt, too!

    For more information: http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/3983-nuns-go-surfing-in-stone-harbor

  • Race Day Results

    Did you or someone you know participate in the race this morning? 

    There were 1,020 registered runners and walkers.

    The results for the Tim Kerr 7 Mile and 5K race will be posted on:  http://compuscore.com/cs2010/sept/index.htm

    Event pictures posted on http://www.uscandids.com/

    Proceeds from this event are distributed locally by TK Charities : http://www.timkerrcharities.org/