Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • The Real Seashore Santa

    Originally posted Christmas 2008.  

    The blog post and Santa were both updated in 2018!

    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 1960s 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 1970s, 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 1980s, 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 1990s, 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 shore”.

    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 ????

    2024 Update- We sold our Stone Harbor home, so Santa moved with us to Avalon while we wait for our new townhome to be built. Time marches on…and Santa tags along!

    2025 Update- Santa has officially relocated to a local golf course!! We are all adapting to our new environment and view 🙂

  • Snowy Shore

    Yes, we occasionally see snow on the beach!

  • Avalon Ocean Front home for sale

    New on the market today!

    83 E 13th Street, Avalon NJ

    Avalon OCEAN FRONT opportunity! Prime residential location nestled along a wide protective dune. The 180 degree views are exceptional, and will improve with the higher elevation of a new build.

    The 10′ X 60′ deeded driveway provides exclusive access to the full size lot measuring 50′ X 110′.

  • Storm Re-cap

    The water has drained, and all roads are dry 🙂

    It was a soggy few days with moderate to major bayside tidal flooding in the usual locations throughout the island.

    The beaches also took a hit with erosion. As is common from a Nor’easter, the north end of the island experienced the most damage.

    Both municipalities are busy today cleaning up the debris left behind, and blocking off the affected beach paths for safety reasons.

    Overall, we were fortunate…and ready for the sun to return!

  • Prepare for Weather

    An October storm isn’t necessarily more powerful than a winter weather system.

    It’s concerning because most shore homes are not “buttoned up” for the off season.

    A few days ago, I was out in my kayak on the back bay. Today, I needed several layers to stay warm for my walk before work!

    It’s time to be practical: secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and the grill. Make sure your windows and storm doors are latched closed (likewise with the outside shower door). Winterize your outdoor faucets and disconnect the hoses. Set your house thermostats so that the heat will kick on when the temperatures inevitably drop.

    And then…enjoy a walk on the beach 🙂

  • The Rental “Business”

    My perspective of the vacation rental business is shaped by:

    1. Actively managing rental properties in Avalon and Stone Harbor for 46 years
    2. Vacationing with my family in rental homes in a variety of locations
    3. Personally owning vacation rental units. Currently, in a beach community in South Carolina.

    The biggest challenge for short term rentals is cleanliness. Change over cleaners do not have the time to tackle everything, and those normal wear and tear items eventually become a source for complaints.

    My husband and I make the effort to personally deep clean every few months. This includes ceiling fans, return vents, under beds, inside the kitchen cabinets/drawers, appliances, bathroom vanities, bedding, blinds, porch furniture, etc.

    A grungy shower curtain liner leaves a bad first impression. Likewise, anything broken or chipped.

    The detailed cleaning allows us to create a list of items needing repair or replacement. We would rather find the defect and resolve the issue prior to the next guest. This is a “business”, and therefore we look at our amenities from the eyes of our guests. Money spent on updates and replacement items is to be expected.

    So to my fellow rental property owners- I understand the frustrations! This pile of sand was from sweeping the kitchen floor on the day of our arrival- after the cleaning service! Yet by the time we left yesterday, I could see the results of our hard work, and expect that the next tenants will notice, too.

  • Changing Seasons

    The island has a different vibe at the end of August.

    It’s cooler in the mornings. Quieter in the evenings. Fewer people are walking on the beach.

    Those of us who work in tourist related businesses have mixed feelings. We welcome the slower pace, and look forward to the opportunity to enjoy the perks of living by the beach. Yet, there’s still a sense of melancholy.

    We say goodbye to our summer friends and neighbors. We look at the calendar and realize there’s a limited time to visit our favorite seasonal restaurants. There’s an urgency to get out on our bike while the weather is so nice!

    September is peaceful and often referred to as “the best month at the shore”.

    And meanwhile, we also look forward to Memorial Day weekend 2026 🙂

  • Last Minute Rentals Available

    Share the news…we have a nice variety of properties with prime weeks still available for vacation rentals.

    Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty

    I handle rentals in Avalon and Stone Harbor specifically, and am happy to answer any questions.

    Thanks!

    ann.delaney@tksir.com

  • Changes…

    While sitting with sellers last week as they signed off for their upcoming settlement, we talked about our LONG history together.

    They purchased their property through me 34 years ago! I joked that I had patiently waited for that “flip” 😉

    As I think about my 45 years in the real estate business, it’s amazing to consider what has changed…and what basically remains the same.

    Technology is the most obvious change. I thought faxing contracts was hi-tech back in the day! Now it’s all e-signatures and scanned documents.

    Our Multiple Listing Service used to distribute actual books every 2 weeks- and only to the participating real estate offices. Today’s buyers, who have full access to information via Zillow and Realtor.com, can’t fathom this limitation.

    Marketing our listings has evolved from ads in the Philadelphia Inquirer, to posts on a variety of social media platforms.

    Cell phones, apps, emails, and texts allow for more immediate access to all parties in a transaction.

    So what’s the same?

    My office location has always been within a 3 block radius on Dune Drive- with 22 years in my current space. I’m very content with my view of Hoy’s 5 & 10 across the street!

    Relationships: technology has not eliminated my role in the buying, selling, and renting process. Customers value my experience, knowledge and resources. The island is my life long home. That local perspective can’t be found on Google!

    Owning a vacation home is a lifestyle decision, not just a monetary transaction. Yes, real estate is a solid long term investment, yet almost equally as important, is the emotional value for the whole family.

    I am here to help you and your friends in the Avalon and Stone Harbor area, and appreciate your referrals!

  • Avalon NJ Townhome

    Excellent value for a 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath, three level townhouse.

    Well maintained and thoughtfully updated throughout. Close to the bay, with some water views.

    Storage space for bikes and beach chairs.

    Walking distance to downtown restaurants and shops.

    And, room to add a pool!

    Available for a quick close- enjoy Avalon THIS summer.

    $1,975,000 furnished.

    MLS info and photos