Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Author: ann

  • Mortgage Interest Rates

    Very exciting to see interest rates drop again.  And, essential in our market,  “jumbo loans” are at reasonable levels, too.

    For loans up to $417,000, I saw published rates of 4.75% for  30 year fixed loans.  For loans $417,001 to $750,000, a rate of 5.625% for 30 year fixed  (fixed rate jumbo loans were hard to find until recent weeks).  For loans over $750,000, and up to $3,000,000,  adjustable rates are available under 5%, and fixed rate loans for 6%.

    As with any major financial decision, you should work with a reputable and experienced lender.  Ask your friends for recommendations, or contact me for suggestions.  A low rate on a web site may not apply to a second home- or there may be hidden points/fees that will dramatically alter the figures.  The long time mortgage reps at the shore understand the quirks of our market (high land values, furniture included in sales, summer rentals, etc.)

  • Beach Tags

    stoneharborbeachtag  Avalon and Stone Harbor beach tags are available for pre-season order through each municipality.  Tags are reciprocal between the two towns, and the cost is the same as last year- $19 if purchased prior to May 31st. 

    For more information:

    http://www.avalonboro.org/  

     http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/

  • Spring Snow?

    springsnow

    Yes…snow showers on the first day of spring. 

    This is the time of year when we are turning  on the outside water…rinsing off the layers of salt from our windows and deck furniture…and looking forward to more time outdoors.  I should be more realistic about spring, but the warm sunny days give us so much hope.

     It will  be better for the weekend, I’m sure!

  • Summer Rentals

    Deck Have you booked your family vacation at the shore?  We have a wide variety of homes and condominiums still available for prime weeks this summer- check out our web site for more information:  www.powerplayrealty.com

    Or send me your specific request, and I will e-mail a list of  options:  ann@anndelaney.com

    Thanks for the opportunity to help with your 7 Mile Beach vacation!

  • Stone Harbor Point

    http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/209/story/429784.html

    Article in today’s Atlantic City Press regarding  wildlife at the point.   I haven’t seen the snowy owl yet…will keep looking!

  • How Did I Get Here?

    ireland1 St. Patrick’s Day is a good day to answer that question.  My grandparents on my father’s side were both from Ireland- arriving in the United States as young adults.

    While raising their family and living in Philadelphia, they spent summer vacations in Stone Harbor (I have a picture in my office of the family in front of one of their rental cottages- my father looks about 8 years old-  ironically in a house literally behind my current home). 

    In the late 1950’s, my grandparents built a home in Avalon and moved here full time.  My parents followed in 1963 (with babies in tow).   We lived in the high dune area of Avalon- which was a bit more desolate than today.   The beach and the dunes were our backyard play areas!

    My grandfather loved the area- I think the ocean and damp weather reminded him of home.  After visiting Ireland last spring, I can see the similarities (although no sheep on Ocean Drive…just an occasional turtle). 

    Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

  • Market Stats

    pavillion-2  January 1st through today:   49 properties posted as sold or under contract in the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service for Avalon and Stone Harbor.   16 of those are the converted condos  at 79th and Dune Drive called Ocean View (selling $350,000 to $400,000 range).  The highest price for a sale pending is $5 million.  The  average is $1,085,000.

    Interest rates continue to be in the 5% range for conforming loans; 6% for loans over $417,000.   Just like the “old days”,  lenders want to see income to qualify for the loan,  and good credit- what a concept!

    If you are interested in purchasing a summer home, send me an e-mail with your wish list.   You might be pleasantly surprised with the options available.

    I appreciate the opportunity to help  🙂

  • Open for Business

    The locals and seasonal residents appreciate the additional dining options on the weekends:  Marabella’s in Stone Harbor has been open the past few weekends; The Concord Cafe will be open as of March 27th, and The Windrift (newly renovated) will be open next weekend.   Peeked in the windows of Henny’s-  the carpet has been ripped up and the restaurant is empty- heard a rumor last fall that an Avalon restaurant will be moving in this summer.    P.S.  Just read a post on Jen Miller’s Blog confirming that Black Fish from Avalon will be moving to the Henny’s location- grand opening on May 8th.

    http://thelatestdish.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/chef-chip-roman-to-open-blackfish-stone-harbor/

    Open for Business– a sign of spring at the shore!

  • Off Topic

    Not real estate or shore related, just sharing an opinion:  watched the HBO movie “Taking Chance” over the weekend.  When I am still thinking about a movie a few days later, I know it was worthwhile.  Dover, Delaware  and Philadelphia are an important part of the storyline- another reason the movie has a strong emotional pull.

    http://www.hbo.com/films/takingchance/

  • Sunday Sights

    footprints1  As expected, I saw hundreds of footprints on the sand when I walked after work this afternoon.  It was a beautiful weekend for strolling  along the beach.   But it’s still a bit chilly for bare feet!

    I read a great quote recently:  “Spring is the shore’s dirty little secret”.   Our wonderful summer sea breeze is here year round.  And while it can be warm and sunny off the island (or even a few blocks off the beach)- you will likely need a jacket (and maybe a hat/gloves) for a walk along the ocean.   The cool, damp sea air is  refreshing  🙂