Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Avalon, New Jersey- News

  • Time to Buy Yet?

    December is a challenging month in the seashore real estate market.  Traveling to Avalon and Stone Harbor to see homes often conflicts with family events and holiday shopping.

    So why look now?  Interest rates have fallen below 6%; there are a variety of properties to see; and sellers are more reaslistic. 

    Another possitive indicator: a few builders are back in the market purchasing in prime locations for future projects.

    We are not unrealisitic.  The down turn in the early 1990’s caused our prices to remain level for several years. But a vacation home at the beach is not your typical “investment”- the personal use has huge value.  And, history assures us that we will once again see tremendous property appreciation along the coast.

    I’m here when you are ready! 

    ann@anndelaney.com

  • It’s a small world…

    While waiting at the gate at CDG/Paris Airport for a flight home, I started talking with 2 women about our experiences during our vacation in France.  Ironically, the one woman’s daughter owns a home in Avalon, and we have mutual friends.  So funny…

    It seems like everywhere I travel, I see someone that I know, or meet someone with a connection to Avalon or Stone Harbor.  Our small 7 mile island has an expansive adoring audience!

  • East Coast vs. West Coast

    Just returned from a week’s vacation in the San Diego area.  We are so fortunate to live by the beach, and naturally make comparisons as we travel to other coastal communities. Southern California wins on the weather- low humidity and comfortable, sunny days almost year round. 

    But as I looked up from the rocky beach to the homes hanging on the edge of the cliffs- with obvious erosion below- I thought about the successful efforts by Avalon and Stone Harbor to maintain the environment while respecting property rights.  The controversy about the construction in the dunes seems minor when compared with the development issues on the west coast. 

    californiabeach.jpg

  • Prices and Percentages

    I follow a segment of the Florida market, and have watched values drop 20% from the height in 2005.  The property that I own was purchased in 2001, and even with the decline, has increased in value an average of 10% per year- so still a good investment.  Plus, the intangible benefit of personal use.

    We have experienced a similar trend at the Jersey Shore.  The peak of our market was late 2004 through 2005.  Values have dropped an average of 20% from the peak- with exceptions for unique locations.  New construction remains the most popular real estate in our market, and has maintained a stronger position- down just 10%.

    Future?  I am confident in my Florida location because it’s located in a “name brand” community.  I feel the same about my year round home here on the island.  Both are popular areas and will continue to attract interested buyers who want to own in beautiful locations!

  • Gossip from the Shore

    The Avalon Sunoco Gas Station is closed.  The repair crew is relocating to the end of Avalon Blvd.  The 220′ X 110′ parcel is owned by Sun Oil.  Not certain of their plans for the site.

    Henny’s Restaurant is closing, too. The liquor license was sold to the owner of the Shelter Haven project (corner of 96th and Third Avenue).  Best guess is that Henny’s will be torn down and replaced with retail shops on the lower level, with residential condos above.  The Shelter Haven parcel has been vacant for many years- so it will be a step forward to see it improved.

    The restaurant addition next to Fred’s Liquor Store is still in limbo.  We were looking forward to another quality eating establishment along 96th Street- maybe next year.

  • Fall at the Shore

    Summer like weather as we transition to our next season.  The sale inventory has spiked up a bit as is typical after Labor Day.  The prime locations (including ocean front and bay front) are selling.  The rental property owners are making decisions about rates and availability for summer 2008. 

    There are qualified buyers still waiting for a sign about the right time to make a purchase along the coast.  Lower interest rates will help, but usually it’s more about fear than actual costs.  This is a “life style” purchase- not a need for housing.  And, if you can imagine the joy it will bring, then it’s the right decision.  In my experience, those who agonize too long may never find the right time and regret the missed opportunities. 

  • Turtles, Surfers, & Nuns, oh my…

    A big weekend for the 7 Mile Beach. 

    The Wetland’s Institute hosts its annual Wings & Water Festival- with events in Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Middle Township.  Visit http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/wnw.html  for more information.

    On Saturday, join the surfing dudes (young and old) on 111th Street as they compete for the perfect wave in support of Villa Maria By the Sea.  The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be on hand to sell their popular “Nun’s Beach” wear!  The dinner held in the retreat house dining hall is sold out weeks in advance and is great fun for all. 

  • Labor Day Observations

    Random observations of the summer:  A serious market shortage of 1 piece bathing suits…forcing women of all ages and shapes to wear bikinis; similar shortage of beach cover-ups, too (am I getting old or what!); wonderful weather overall- just one rainy week; exceptional weather for Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends; fewer sightings of dolphins – did they vacation in LBI this summer?; golf carts used for in-town driving- I saw one in Avalon and one in Stone Harbor; kite surfing off the 122nd Street beach- very exciting to watch.

    To me, Labor Day does not signal the end of the season.  We have 2 more months of beautiful weather and many beach days still to enjoy.  I hope you can take advantage of our “quiet season”, too!

  • Packs of Dogs

    I look forward to Lisa Scottoline’s “Chick Wit” each Sunday in the Philadelphia Inquirer: http://scottoline.com/Site/Column/

    Back in March, Lisa observed the trend for multiple dogs in a household.  Based on a summer of walks on the beach and around town, I agree that everyone has a dog (or 2 or 3).

    I understand that the dogs can’t read the “no dogs” sign at the beach path (although their owner should know better).  But when I am chased or jumped on during my walk- I become less tolerant. 

    And I become very possessive of my beach and town when an owner fails to clean up after their dog.  I have seen owners look the other way and pretend not to notice (right on the beach path or at the water’s edge), and maybe even worse- toss the used plastic bag down one of the street gutters (which in turn flows right to the ocean).

    Because this will continue to be our reality, Stone Harbor and Avalon need to find the balance of welcoming our summer guests- and enforcing the basic rules.  I have not seen a police officer stop a dog walker on the beach in the early morning hours.  At the very least, I would appreciate the leash rule enforced. No one should feel intimidated to take a peaceful walk along the shore.

  • Enough Already!

    It’s been raining since Sunday and we are more than ready for the sun to return. A week like this is when the tenants appreciate the amenities provided in a rental home.  If the property is comfortable and inviting, a rainy day inside is more tolerable. 

    The skies are scheduled to clear today…although the view from my office window is still heavy mist/rain. Here’s to a brighter afternoon!