Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Trump Tower in Avalon?

    avawatertower.jpg  I was driving north along Dune Drive this morning, and as I approached downtown, the sun was shining on a huge object in the distance.  Did I miss something?  Was Donald Trump granted permission to build a high rise in Avalon?

    Thankfully- no.  I had forgotton about the restoration project of the 13th Street water tower.  The tent protects the neighboring homes during the sandblasting and painting process. 

    For more information, check out the December news on the Borough of Avalon web site:

    http://www.avalonboro.org/news/dec-08/news-dec.html

  • Sunday Sights

    renovation.jpg  A sign of the times:  a 1980’s vintage contemporary home undergoing a complete renovation.  In recent years, this type of home was considered an official “tear down”.  Now, a buyer is just as likely to renovate rather than demolish and build new.

    This change of attitude does not add to the price of the property (more determined by the value of the land), however a structure in good condition is easier to sell because it offers a buyer more options.

  • Expectations for 2009?

    Lower interest rates (we are already seeing 30 year fixed rates around 5%)…a renewed sense of hope…more cautious consumers demanding good value…and, a focus on a healthier and “green” environment (the beach is a perfect fit there!).

    I have great confidence in the long term value of real estate ownership- especially in prime “location, location, locations”.  This confidence is based on my experience of selling seashore properties full time for almost (gulp) 30 years…as well as personal ownership.  It’s an amazing place to live…

  • Christmas Decor at the Shore

    santaboat.jpg  The picture is actually from Florida…but it works for the Jersey Shore, too!

  • Thanksgiving Weekend at the Shore

    christmas.jpg  Live music (the string band pictured)…shopping…hot chocolate…shopping…beautiful decorations…shopping…Santa…and more shopping.  

    Don’t miss the Stone Harbor Christmas Parade tonight at 7pm.  Dress warm and claim your spot along the parade route: begins at 104th and Third Avenue; travels north to 96th Street; then 2 blocks east on 96th Street to First Avenue.  Plenty of prime viewing locations.

  • Thanksgiving at the Shore?

    surfer.jpg  Surfing…(couldn’t take a closer shot without getting wet!)

    fishing.jpg  Fishing…

    wreath.jpg  And holiday decorations on the beach pavillion.  Yes, just your typical Thanksgiving traditions!  Enjoy  🙂

  • Weekend Events

    http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/index.php

    The Cape May County Herald is a great source of local information (and reading Spout Off is always entertaining!) 

    If you will be in Avalon or Stone Harbor for the Thanksgiving weekend, check out the list of events.  Both towns are working hard to support our business community in the off season.

  • That’s Better (sort of)

    sundaybeach.jpg  The wind changed direction, the clouds gave way to the sun, and the temperature actually reached 40 degrees this afternoon.  A walk on the beach was much more productive than watching the Eagles game!

  • Snow on the Sand

    snowonbeach.jpg  The shore had a light coating of snow yesterday morning- that’s snow on the sand by the beach path on 95th Street. 

    The snow didn’t last…but the cold temperatures are sure hanging on!  I guess it’s really time to bring out the wool sweaters  🙁

    One more tip for preparing your house for winter- even if your outside faucet is frost-proof, don’t forget to remove the hose.  The water in the hose will freeze and back up into the faucet and cause it to break (I speak from experience here).

  • Chilly!

    The cold weather arrived a bit early at the shore.  Is your house ready?

    Drain the outside shower and other outside water connections (common on the decks of the newer homes);  if the water is on inside the house, make sure the heat is set at 55 degrees or higher; open the cabinets under the kitchen and bathroon sinks to allow warm air to flow around the pipes; and close the vents in the crawl space.

    See my Novemeber 17th post about “the red light” system- it’s an easy way to monitor the heat in the house.