Two well priced condo units will be available for preview on Thursday, January 10th between 12 noon and 2pm.
1777 Ocean Drive, Unit A-1, Avalon $595,000 Â Â MLS link
9501 Sunset Drive, Unit 7, Stone Harbor $575,000 Â MLS link
Questions?  I am here to help:  609-967-7950  or  ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
Santa– the life size plywood cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.
Santa began his life of service in the early 1960’s at my parents’ first house in Avalon. He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs. Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire†.
In the 1970’s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace. The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.
In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go. Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach. In the 1980’s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!
When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990’s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home. Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shoreâ€.
Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.  Years later, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!
Now coasting past his mid-50s, Santa was showing signs of wear (aren’t we all).
For several years, I thought about arranging a touch up, but it just didn’t feel right.  Thankfully, our niece offered her artistic talents - a perfect fit!
So the newly refreshed Santa is back in his designated spot in front of our home- ready to face another 50+ years by the beach 😎
I follow a number of professional writers on Twitter, and often see the phrase: “Don’t read the comments”.
Yet the other day, an old time photo was posted by the Avalon History Center, and I made the mistake of scrolling through the responses- ugh!
I understand nostalgia, but why use those fond memories to complain about your view of the current state of our community? Â Realistically, the “good old days” where not perfect either.
My husband and I are both shore kids- he grew up in Wildwood, and I was raised in Avalon. Â The beach towns provided tourist related jobs during our teen years, and ultimately our adult careers.
Even back in the day, Avalon and Stone Harbor did not have a booming a year round population. Summer residents made up the majority of home owners -then and now.
Year round property owners were not “driven out by increasing property values”. In fact, some cashed out due to changes in life circumstances and benefited from the equity. During my 38 years of selling real estate, I helped several older property owners moving to senior living communities closer to their grown children. Â They specifically mentioned their inability to afford the facility without the profit.
Other full time residents sold and purchased homes off the island free and clear- with a remaining nest egg for the future. Â It’s a personal financial decision, and we are fortunate to have that option and a solid asset!
Change is hard. Some regulars didn’t know if Avalon would survive when Donnelly’s Deli closed; or refused to return to Stone Harbor without Henny’s!
Yet life goes on.
The island remains a premier destination for all the right reasons: strict zoning, diligent public works personnel maintaining the streets, beach, and parks, top notch recreation areas, and wonderful downtown shopping and dining options.
Oh, and happy residents willing to share their town with seasonal visitors 🙂
A few more weeks to enjoy the perks of shopping locally.
So many reasons (besides avoiding the crowds at the mall!):
Quality merchandise on sale. Â Personalized service. Â Boxes and/or wrapping at many shops. Â Avalon and Stone Harbor logo items. Â Summer themed options (like beach chairs/towels, salt water taffy, holiday beach tags). Unique gifts, including handmade crafts/art. Â And did I mention the sales??
And then finish the day with a dinner break at one of the popular restaurants or bars.
Merry, Merry!
I will be giving away sand dollars and sea glass to customers who stop by our Avalon office during Festive Friday to say hello.
We also have Tim Kerr Charities t-shirts from the summer race events.
On Friday evening, our Stone Harbor office will be open for Hospitality Night. Pop in to warm up, and enjoy some wine and snacks 🙂
A nice morning for a beach walk…before the COLD weather arrives.
Be sure to join us in downtown Avalon and Stone Harbor for the long holiday weekend!
Our 2 offices are centrally located for a quick warm up 😉
Next Friday, the Avalon Chamber of Commerce will host “Festive Friday” from 11am to 6pm.
Numerous family friends activities in the down town business district: Schedule of Events
As in past years, Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty will give away Tim Kerr Charities race t-shirts. Â Always a big hit!
AND, so that I won’t be considered a hoarder, I will share some of my Avalon and Stone Harbor beach treasures 😎
Stop by our office at 2821 Dune Drive and say hello!
Just listed!
$595,000 mostly furnished.
Attractive 3 bedroom condo with a unique feature: Â unit runs the width and depth of the north building.
Exterior renovations are complete, and the seller has thoughtfully updated the interior.
See link for pictures and more details : 1777 Ocean Drive A-1
I am happy to answer any questions: 609-967-7950  or  ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
Last week was Halloween, and Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away.
In Avalon and Stone Harbor, we hurry through our Thursday dinner so that we can prepare for the next day: Â Christmas!
Starting Friday November 23rd and throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, our island celebrates the start of the holiday season with hospitality night, Christmas tree lighting, family festivals/ events, and a parade.
Hope to see you around town!
In the past 30 days, 44 properties SOLD in Avalon and Stone Harbor, with the median selling price of $987,000.
Of those, 22 were single family homes, ranging from $460,000 for a cottage on an undersized lot on 22nd Street in Avalon; to $5,300,000 for an older ocean front home on 107th Street in Stone Harbor. Â The median selling price for all single family homes: $2,085,000.
19 of the sales were for condo/townhouses, ranging from $287,000 for a motel/condo unit at the Concord; to $1,397,000 for a bay front townhouse style unit on 80th Street. Â The median selling price for all condo/townhouse units: $600,000.
2Â sales were classified as multi-family. An older duplex on 27th Street sold for $1,299,000 and was immediately torn down. The lot is zoned single family, so a new home will be built on the site. Â The other was a pair of side by side townhouses on 28th Street sold together for $1,565,000.
1Â commercial sale posted- the space on 21st and Dune occupied by Fuze Italian sold for $1,200,000.
In addition, there are 76 properties “under contract” with settlements scheduled in the near future. Â The median price of those sale pending is $1,845,500.
Trends? Â New construction continues to be very popular. Â Many of the residential sales noted above were “land value” sales purchased with the intent to build new on the site.
If you have any questions regarding market values in Avalon or Stone Harbor, I am happy to help!  ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com  609-967-7950
