Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Avalon, New Jersey- News

  • Is Seashore Real Estate Over Priced?

    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?”). 

    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!

  • Countdown to Memorial Day

    The rush begins.  Homeowners are in town purchasing trash cans and deck furniture.  The cleaning companies are busy with spring and window cleaning requests.   Beach chairs and beach tags are in demand.

    Will this be the year for a warm, sunny Memorial Day Weekend?

  • Summer Rentals at the Shore

    Do you have friends or relatives who have yet to plan their summer vacation?  Please let them know that we have a wide selection of properties available- from basic cottages to new construction (and some with pools). 

    I will be happy to e-mail a list of options- just give me a call (800) 682-5940 or e-mail ann@anndelaney.com

  • Spring Time at the Shore

    We all look forward to spring time- but at the shore, the weather is a test of patience.  2 weeks ago I cleaned my porch and deck furniture on a warm sunny day, and last weekend I had to tie it down in anticipation of the nor’easter cruising up the coast.  The winds change to a south and east flow- creating more foggy and damp days.  We love that same ocean breeze all summer long, but in April and May it makes for some dreary days.

    We were fortunate with the weekend storm.  There was typical tidal flooding along some streets near the bay. 40 mph winds that turned from the NE to West (which helped with beach erosion).  Plenty of rain for our small yards and flower beds.

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  • 1st Quarter- 2007

    When I am asked about the real estate market at the shore, my first thought is the return of buyer confidence.  Potential buyers have been watching the market and are ready to move forward with a purchase- if the right opportunity is available.

    There are many options for a buyer as they proceed methodically through the selection process.  If a property is priced higher than the competition, the home will quickly be eliminated from their list. 

    With the activity in the last quarter of 2006, and the 1st quarter of 2007, we have true comparable sales to establish current market value.  For a single family home, the “land value” is the leading factor.  The age/condition of the structure, and more importantly, the value of the structure to the buyer- completes the picture.

    We expect market activity to increase as summer approaches.

  • Beach Tags/Avalon and Stone Harbor

    An early reminder to order your beach tags at the pre-season discount rate:  tags are $17 each if purchased before the end of May.  You can order the tags through the mail and pick them up later in the spring.  The Borough of Avalon 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202; The Borough of Stone Harbor 9508 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247.

  • March Madness

    Not basketball… but frustration with the weather and its effect on business.   Yesterday’s storm made a mess in our “feeder” market (Phildelphia area), and several appointments for sale and rental showings were cancelled.

    Overall, activity in our sale market has improved.  But just as we lowered the number of homes on the market by posting a few sales, the normal spring inventory was added to the mix.  We are back over the 300 mark of single family homes for sale in Avalon and Stone Harbor.

    We need a few warm, spring days to keep up the momentum!

  • Wish you were here…really!

    I am anxious for the return of civilization.  We endure January and February at the shore, knowing that spring is around the corner.  In March, the days are longer and the sun is warmer (…if you are out of the wind).   Just yesterday, I noticed that I could “smell” the ocean- a true sign of improving weather!

    So, schedule a visit to the beach soon…the locals will be happy for the company!   

  • President’s Weekend at the Shore

    After 2 weeks of bitter cold temperatures, we are grateful for what feels like a spring day!  Mid- 30’s, sunshine, and less wind.  President’s weekend typically brings prospective tenants and buyers to the shore.  Most are anxious for a day out of the house, and a trip to the beach- even in February- is a nice change of pace.

    Only a few more weeks before we see the true signs of spring: restaurants and businesses back open!

  • Avalon Beach Replenishment- ’07

    Article in The Press of Atlantic City- published 2/3/7. 

    The Borough of Avalon is preparing to borrow nearly $3 Million to restock beaches in Avalon’s Northern End damaged by erosion in the past year.

         Avalon scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday, 1/29/07, to appropriate money for beach replenishment before the tourist season.

         Last year, Avalon paid nearly $2.8 Million for a dredge to replace 8 blocks of beaches – about 350,000 cubic yards of sand – between 9th and 18th Streets.

         Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi said the Borough hoped its beach fill in 2006 would last through the start of an upcoming U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project.

    But Pagliughi said Avalon can’t wait. “ That’s all we need is a hurricane or a coastal storm and all of those houses are going to get whacked”.

         Municipalities such as Avalon are on a schedule to receive money for beach replenishment through a funding formula that divides the costs between federal, state and local governments.

         Before 2006, Avalon’s last beach fill was in 2003, when it entered into a 50-year partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Under that Agreement, the federal government pays more than half the costs. Avalon anticipates the federal government will help fund a larger beach replenishment for later this year or in 2008.

         Avalon Public Works Director Harry Debutts checks the conditions of the beaches nearly every day. Like the vacationers who frequent the beaches, the sand itself tends to migrate and return, but not in the same volume in which it left.  “The beach has actually started to recover a little on its own in the north end…for that part of it, I’m grateful. What we need to see happen there is finally starting to come around”, Debutts said. “But, it’s not enough for us to feel comfortable with entering the summer season”.

    Debutts said this year’s project will likely not include a dredge. Instead, it may involve back-passing – trucking sand from one end of Avalon to the other – or carting sand in from elsewhere.

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