Although the weather could have been better, the 4th of July week was a success. We watched the Stone Harbor fireworks from our back deck because of the stormy weather. By Friday, the weather improved dramatically, and we enjoyed the Avalon fireworks on the beach. It was a great way for our visitors to end their week.
Â
Avalon has an amazing week’s worth of events scheduled: The Islandman Triathlon is Sunday, 7/1 (fun to watch- Community Hall at 7:30am). There are several beach concerts, a boat parade, a beach movie, and swimming/ field races. The fireworks in Avalon will be held Friday 7/6 at 9pm. Send me an e-mail ann@anndelaney.com to request a copy of the 1 page schedule (e-mailed to you in pdf format).
The fireworks in Stone Harbor follow an all day family festival at the 80th Street field on Wednesday, 7/4. Bring your chairs and blanket to save your spot.
See you there!
Saturday is a long day. I am up early to walk before work, and see departing tenants looking sad as they pack their cars for the ride home. By mid-moring, the cleaning crews scatter the island for the change-overs. By early afternoon, the next group of tenants arrive – anxious to get to their rental houses and on the beach.Â
In the evening, the smell of steaks on the grill surrounds you. Outside showers are running, and beach chairs and toys are piled in side yards. After dark, the decks are filled with happy people grateful to be on vacation.  The “happy people” can be a bit frustrating for those of us who work the next day and are trying to sleep!
But, the trade off of coping through a handful of Saturday nights is well worth the benefits of living in a seashore community.Â
This weekend is the first big rental check in weekend- summer has arrived. Tenants who love vacationing at the shore are our future buyers. My expectation is that the sale activity will increase as our visitors discover that they have options within their price range.
We are surrounded by well maintained homes of every size and shape. But we are actually selling lifestyle, family time, outdoor activities, salt air, and time away from reality.Â
Avalon and Stone Harbor are well respected beach communities. The Seven Mile Beach will continue to be a smart place to own a second home, a rental property, or even live year round!
Â
A simple guide to the local language: “off shore”- one of the communities just off “the island” , but still within Cape May County. If you live “on the island”, it is a big event to “go off shore” (only for gas and groceries as needed). Our other destinations are “the mall”- which used to mean the Shore Mall off exit 36, but now describes the Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing; and Philadelphia (which can mean anywhere in the surrounding area).Â
Friends who live north of Atlantic City, live in “north Jersey” (which they obviously dispute- but that’s how we define the state border!). New York City is like another country- our forefathers emmigrated to “the shore” from Philadelphia, so our allegiance goes back for generations.
How do you identify a local? They know the tide schedule for the day; they check the flags for wind direction and plan their outdoor activities accordingly; they walk or ride their bike whenever possible; they cringe when they see a “newbie” trying to put an umbrella in the sand- and eventually walk over to help; they secure their deck furniture and trash cans when “weather” is predicted; and they are smiling as they walk along the beach each day- of course!
The “Shore Guide” arrived in my mail just in time for Memorial Day Weekend after work beach reading. I especially loved the list of “We Can’t Wait To …” Many are laugh out loud and right on the mark funny!
Even those of us who live here year round get excited about sharing the traditions of summer with our family and guests. You can’t help getting caught up in the vacation spirit. Happy Summer!
What marks the official start of summer? Standing in line at Kohler’s for sticky buns and cream filled donuts! Judging by the crowds in front of the store this morning, I am not the only one who feels this way.
The island is busy and the weather is perfect for Memorial Day Weekend. Thanks to the hard work of our municipal workers, the beaches are groomed, the center islands are attractively landscaped, and the town sparkles for our visitors.
Â
I heard a great quote last week describing our current real estate market: “we are bouncing around the bottom”. I think that says it all. No one has the ability to make absolute predictions, but I sincerely believe that we will look back in a few years and there will be regrets of missed buying opportunities.Â
During my 25+ years of selling real estate on the island, I can’t tell you how many times a potential buyer has said “I remember when I could have purchased that property for $—“. We know from experience that today’s prices will eventually seem like a bargain.Â
Why? The second home market is fueled by the wealth of the baby boomers; Avalon and Stone Harbor have brand name recognition for those baby boomers; mortgage rates are favorable; the Jersey Shore is a convienent drive for short visits (a general vacation trend); and this is a beautiful area!
When you or your friends are ready to buy a beach house, I will be here to help!  Call or e-mail with any questions:Â
(800) 682-5940  or ann@anndelaney.com
I have lived here all my life…and can remember when a full size lot sold for $15,000 (“who can pay such prices?”). During the 25+ years of selling real estate on the island, I have heard numerous statements of doubt about the prices (“Are they crazy…$200,000 for that house?”).Â
But ask me the value of a home at the shore as you walk along the beach in the early morning with the sun reflecting off the calm ocean- and dolphins riding the waves! Worth every penny!
And the good news- this privilege is available to all of us. From the basic condo or cottage owner- to the owner of the spectacular new construction nestled in the dunes.
Thankfully, we have a wide variety of options- priced from $400,000 and up. Call or e-mail me if you are ready to enjoy life at the beach!
Rental Season
If you would like to plan a last minute vacation to the Jersey Shore, there are a variety of homes and condos still available. Our rental season started strong at the end of June and through the 4th of July week, but the middle weeks in July and mid/late weeks in August are not fully booked.
What could be better? A short drive from home to spend a week on the beach! Plus, upscale shopping, nice restaurants, and low key family entertainment.Â
I will be happy to e-mail you some ideas:Â ann@anndelaney.com
Â