Author Archives: ann

April 4, 2024

The sun has returned!

By ann

We are all happy to soak up the sun πŸ™‚

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
April 1, 2024

Rainy days…

By ann

Well, at least our lawn looks great πŸ˜‰

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
March 21, 2024

New Rules Regarding Commissions

By ann

The news reports are confusing for consumers (and frankly real estate agents).

I have been studying the information to help convey the practical facts.

Commissions have always been negotiable. However, an agency has the right to determine their fee for the services provided. This fee is disclosed to the consumer, and the consumer has the option of working with the agency or not.

No fee is earned until we complete a transaction. Compensation is only paid if we finalize/close on a sale.

Currently, the listing agreement with the seller states the total compensation to be paid, and ultimately shared between the brokerages and the seller/buyer agents.

The new regulations (effective July 2024) will require buyer agency agreements. Buyers will acknowledge their financial responsibility for the buyer broker’s fee. This fee can be paid directly by the buyer, or negotiated in the offer to the seller in the form of a concession from the seller, or as a portion of the listing broker’s commission.

Bottom line- it’s a math equation to satisfy all parties.

Both the buyer and seller are ultimately paying for their representation through the purchase price funds and sale proceeds.

Moving forward, we will clarify the language that will be acceptable to lenders regarding seller concessions.

As a lifelong resident, with 40+ years of experience in this market, I am here to help buyers and sellers navigate the process.

Thank you for trusting me to assist with your island real estate needs!

Posted in Seashore Real Estate | Comments closed
March 17, 2024

Irish Roots

By ann

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  

A repeat post from 2016:

On my father’s side: my grandmother was born in County Clare in the Republic of Ireland, and my grandfather grew up near Ballymena and the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland.  A real mixed marriage!

They met and married in Philadelphia, and vacationed in Stone Harbor each summer while raising 6 children (pictured in front of their compact rental cottage).

In the 1950s, my grandparents built a modest year round home in Avalon.  A family business brought the sons and daughters (including spouses and young children) from Philadelphia to Avalon shortly thereafter.

After visiting the beautiful windswept coast of Northern Ireland, I can totally understand my grandfather’s love of the shore.

Sand in our shoes… and salt air in our lungs πŸ˜‰

Slainte!

P.S.  According to family legend, my grandfather arrived to the United States through Canada. And my grandmother used her older sister’s ID to travel from Ireland to the US. Her grown children didn’t know her real name/age until she applied for Social Security! It’s important and relevant to consider that our family’s immigration history may be softened by nostalgia. 

Pictures from our 2008 trip to Northern Ireland.

cliffsireland.jpg
ireland
irelandbeach.jpg
Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
March 16, 2024

Stone Harbor Shiver 2024

By ann

Great weather for the annual Stone Harbor polar plunge.

For more info: Stone Harbor Shiver

THIS is the closest I’ll be to an ocean swim in March πŸ˜‰

Posted in Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
March 11, 2024

4 years…

By ann

Facebook memories reminded me about the start of Covid in 2020.

Initially, I kept a journal with regular updates. It felt important to document the unprecedented times and real emotions.

My last entry was one year ago, and I will write something today to keep the information current.

I recently saw this sign framed in an Avalon summer house. It’s a stark reminder how our lives were turned upside down.

Thankful for good health (and vaccines!) in the years since.

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
March 2, 2024

Spring?

By ann

It’s still winter, yet the bulbs in our yard and the change of wind direction say otherwise!

Some years, it seems like the cold northwest wind howls continuously from November through April. It has been noticeably calmer this winter.

Once the wind prevails from the south or southeast, we know that spring is headed our way.

Happy March Ò˜˜ï¸

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
February 25, 2024

Sunday Sunshine

By ann

Yet the cold temps confirm that it’s still February!!

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
February 24, 2024

Capturing the Sun

By ann

The sun made a brief appearance during our regular early morning beach walk.

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
February 22, 2024

Changes at the Shore

By ann

As a lifelong area resident, I completely understand the attachment to time-honored shore businesses.

I have wonderful memories linked to specific (mostly food!) establishments in Avalon and Stone Harbor.

In many cases, the original owners have passed on their responsibilities to the next generation. And those “children” may now be at the stage of their lives planning for retirement.

Running a seasonal business is challenging, and I’m sure it’s a difficult decision for owners to cash out.

Our favorite spots will eventually be replaced. And our children and grandchildren will carry the memories of the new places with them into the future.

Instead of lamenting about the “good old days” as we note the inevitable changes around town, we can look forward to new experiences to shake up our routine!

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
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