 A sign of the times: a 1980’s vintage contemporary home undergoing a complete renovation. In recent years, this type of home was considered an official “tear down”. Now, a buyer is just as likely to renovate rather than demolish and build new.
This change of attitude does not add to the price of the property (more determined by the value of the land), however a structure in good condition is easier to sell because it offers a buyer more options.
Lower interest rates (we are already seeing 30 year fixed rates around 5%)…a renewed sense of hope…more cautious consumers demanding good value…and, a focus on a healthier and “green” environment (the beach is a perfect fit there!).
I have great confidence in the long term value of real estate ownership- especially in prime “location, location, locations”.  This confidence is based on my experience of selling seashore properties full time for almost (gulp) 30 years…as well as personal ownership. It’s an amazing place to live…
 The picture is actually from Florida…but it works for the Jersey Shore, too!
A few observations from my vacation time in Florida: the real estate market troubles are more obvious in southwest Florida than at the New Jersey shore- probably due to the vast variety of housing options available. Even saw a few homes boarded up…sad. Commercial real estate is also suffering- a fair amount of retail store fronts empty and some chain restaurants and super markets have closed.Â
In contrast, the beautiful high end shopping and dining districts were busy. There were many special holiday events scheduled in those areas- a smart move by the business community to attract customers.Â
Lower interest rates and the start of a new year are a source of hope for the many businesses dependant on the real estate industry.Â
The e-mail program in my office computer suddenly froze last week (it really wasn’t THAT cold at the shore). No worries- the same data is stored in my smart phone. But when the smart phone gets wet while kayaking in Florida, the back up system is no longer in place. I feel so lost without easy access to technology.Â
       
    Thankfully, I have a few more days in the warm Florida sun to ease the pain :)  Hope to be back on line later this week…
 Live music (the string band pictured)…shopping…hot chocolate…shopping…beautiful decorations…shopping…Santa…and more shopping. Â
Don’t miss the Stone Harbor Christmas Parade tonight at 7pm. Dress warm and claim your spot along the parade route: begins at 104th and Third Avenue; travels north to 96th Street; then 2 blocks east on 96th Street to First Avenue. Plenty of prime viewing locations.
 Surfing…(couldn’t take a closer shot without getting wet!)
 Fishing…
 And holiday decorations on the beach pavillion. Yes, just your typical Thanksgiving traditions! Enjoy 🙂
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/index.php
The Cape May County Herald is a great source of local information (and reading Spout Off is always entertaining!)Â
If you will be in Avalon or Stone Harbor for the Thanksgiving weekend, check out the list of events. Both towns are working hard to support our business community in the off season.
 The wind changed direction, the clouds gave way to the sun, and the temperature actually reached 40 degrees this afternoon. A walk on the beach was much more productive than watching the Eagles game!
Trump Tower in Avalon?
Thankfully- no. I had forgotton about the restoration project of the 13th Street water tower. The tent protects the neighboring homes during the sandblasting and painting process.Â
For more information, check out the December news on the Borough of Avalon web site:
http://www.avalonboro.org/news/dec-08/news-dec.html