Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • Real Estate Signs

    rainbow The rainbow Saturday evening…a symbol of improving weather.

    Likewise, there are signs of an improving real estate market at the shore.

    January 1, 2009 to today-  47 properties SOLD in Avalon & Stone Harbor, ranging in price from $340,000 to $3,700,000.  The average selling price was $1,073,544.  Plus, an additional 30 properties are sale pending with settlement to occur during the next few months.

    In Sea Isle City, 54 properties sold during that same time period, ranging in price from $222,000 to $1,800,000.  The average price was $645,681.  And, there are 29 additional properties posted as sale pending.

    All good “real estate signs” for our little beach communities!

  • Mother’s Day

    mothersday

    Saw mostly women walking the beach this morning- enjoying a peaceful Mother’s Day moment. 

    Breakfast at Uncle Bill’s, text messages from my sons and daughters in law to wish me Happy Mother’s Day, and off to work…life is good!

  • Island Traditions

    springers

     Am I the only person who associates certain foods with summer?   Maybe we can form a support group!

    Anyway…Springer’s Ice Cream in Stone Harbor opened today- I know this because I was disappointed to read the sign on their door last night when we walked into town craving ice cream. 

    Kohler’s Bakery in Avalon also opened today.   The 2 block walk from my office does not justify the cream donut…oh well…will work through it with the support group  😉

  • Weekend Sales

    Avalon– Borough wide yard sale.  Pay a little today…or wait until the items are put to the curb tomorrow for bulk trash!  Looks like many home owners are participating.  Also, stop by the 30th Street Fire House for their annual flower and hoagie sale.

    Stone Harbor– The Garden Club’s annual flower sale on 96th Street.

  • We’re ready…

    beachopen

    The beach groomers are back on duty,  benches dug out from the drifts of sand,  and trash cans are in position.  All set for a big weekend.

    After a long, gray winter (and endless days of rain), I am happy to report  the return of color to the island .  The lawns are bright green, and the trees and flowers are in full bloom.   Another sign of summer?  Nuns.  At the Villa Maria Retreat House on the beach. 

    Enjoy the weekend  🙂

  • Summer Rentals- update

    grafviewPass the word:   Vacation Rentals are still available at the shore.   Potential tenants have not been as willing to commit far in advance for their summer vacation- understandable with the economy.  But, hello…it’s May.   Time to think about warm days on the beach or boating along the bay.

    We have a wide variety of options available.  Visit our web site   www.powerplayrealty.com  or e-mail me a specific request  ann@powerplayrealty.com  

    I appreciate the opportunity to help with your plans!

  • Look, Up in the Sky!

    sun Could it be?  The glare is somewhat familiar. 

    After more than a week of rain, today’s hour of hazy sun was a welcome sight.   Hopefully,  the sun will return at full level by the weekend.

  • What’s Open?

    As of this weekend, plenty of food options. 

    Just saw the banner outside of  Kohler’s Bakery http://www.kohlersbakery.com/  – “Celebrating 60 years in Avalon”.  Opening Mother’s Day weekend-   I will be there!

    Nemo’s Pizza from Avalon opened an additional restaurant in Stone Harbor- 98th and Third Avenue;  Mack’s Pizza at 83rd Street re-opens on May 15th for the season; and  Circle Pizza in Avalon is back open after major renovations, too.

    Quahogs on 97th Street was open last weekend- indoor and sheltered patio dining; and on the opposite corner, Black Fish (in the Henny’s location) is freshly painted and ready for their Mother’s Day weekend grand opening.

    blackfish

     Looks better in person- we haven’t seen sun for a few days  :(   so the gray exterior just fades into the sky.   The owners are smart- they set the tables and left the interior lights on last weekend for people like me to snoop in the windows!

     Also hearing good things about Fuze- the new restaurant at 79th and Ocean Drive. 

    Can you tell we are ready for the season to begin??

  • Sand and Real Estate

    sandcastles Castles by the sand.

    Just returned from a quick trip to the west coast of Florida.  In spite of their challenging real estate market, construction continues in the high end locations along the beach.  The magnificent homes along Gulf Shore Blvd in Naples are comparable in size to the homes nestled in the Avalon dunes.

    Like other coastal areas,  the real estate values on our island are driven by the location of the “sand” under a house.  The closer the sand is to the water…the better!

    A weird aside- on the flight home last night, almost 1/2 of the passengers were wearing surgical masks.  Very unsettling.  Glad to be back in the fresh, salt air!

  • May Weekend

    shboatshow This is the weekend for the annual Stone Harbor Boat Show & Seafood Festival on 96th Street.  The gray skies and drizzle should not stop the true boaters from shopping!