Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Stone Harbor in the News- NY Times

    http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/travel/escapes/31shore.html

    The New York area is discovering the southern end of the Jersey Shore- this is the second article featuring Avalon and/or Stone Harbor in as many weeks.

  • Highest Part of the Island?

    I was reading an article this morning about an historic home in a nearby shore community.  The owner said the house sits on “the highest part of the island”.  I laughed, because I have heard this phrase from almost every home owner I have worked with through the years.  Avalon and Stone Harbor should be covered with mini-mountain peaks based on these statements.  I even heard my husband saying it one day to a neighbor about our block – so it must be true!

  • 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!

  • Brendan Borek Weekend

    I am proud to support the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund.  This is a true local charity- helping Cape May County pediatric cancer patients and their families.  The Surf Memorial (today on the 30th Street beach in Avalon) and Homecoming Party (tonight at the Windrift from 6pm to 9pm) are the big fund raising events.

    For more information, call (609) 967-0100 or visit:  www.brendansfund.org

  • Better than a Pig (see 8/9/07 post)

    What an amazing morning for a beach walk. The sky was a brilliant blue. The sun was glistening off the ocean. Surfers were lined up to ride the swells.  Monarch butterflies floating through the air.  A comfortable breeze.  Could life be any better? 

    Well yes, if you add the soulful sounds of a bagpipe!  A retired Avalon police officer was practicing his craft while walking along the water’s edge.  The music traveled in the wind for several blocks- very moving (women my age can relate to the emotion thing!)

    A wonderful way to start the day…

  • Mortgage Concerns- a reality check

    We are hearing from the local mortgage reps who actively work in the vacation home market.  The guidelines and programs have certainly changed since the fallout from high-risk loans.  But, they are still lending money, and open for business.

    Back in the “normal” days, loans were typically 80% of the purchase price, and buyers had to show proof of income (imagine!).  The 100% loans based on stated income (often called low-doc or no-doc loans) were a risky business move and are coming back to haunt the lenders.

    If you have a solid credit score, a 10% to 20% down payment, and proof of income (tax return, W-2, profit/loss statement, etc.), the interest rates and loan programs are still favorable.

    Most buyers in our market opt for an interest only product.  The 7/1 or 10/1 ARM’s make sense for many.  There is always the option to pay down the principal if a buyer decides to stay in the property for a longer period of time.  But most have plans to trade up, re-build, or re-finance by the time the 10 year locked in rate time period expires.

    I have excellent contacts in the mortgage business- people I have known for years, and trust.  I will be happy to pass along those names and numbers if you have questions about a current or future loan.  ann@anndelaney.com

  • Livestock on the beach??

    I walk on the beach  each day before work…and frequently see people with dogs.  But a pig?  There was a young man on the 101st Street beach this morning walking his pig!  It was a large, pot bellied pig – on a leash.  I asked the young man holding the leash if he lived here…and he said his family was vacationing from Pennsylvania, and brought along the pig.  I didn’t have the nerve to ask if they were renting with a “pigs permitted” clause in their lease! 

  • Another Happy 4th

    Although the weather could have been better, the 4th of July week was a success.  We watched the Stone Harbor fireworks from our back deck because of the stormy weather.  By Friday, the weather improved dramatically, and we enjoyed the Avalon fireworks on the beach.  It was a great way for our visitors to end their week.

     

  • 4th of July

    Avalon has an amazing week’s worth of events scheduled:  The Islandman Triathlon is Sunday, 7/1 (fun to watch- Community Hall at 7:30am). There are several beach concerts, a boat parade, a beach movie, and swimming/ field races.  The fireworks in Avalon will be held Friday 7/6 at 9pm.  Send me an e-mail  ann@anndelaney.com to request a copy of the 1 page schedule (e-mailed to you in pdf format).

    The fireworks in Stone Harbor follow an all day family festival at the 80th Street field on Wednesday, 7/4.  Bring your chairs and blanket to save your spot.

    See you there!

  • Saturdays at the Shore

    Saturday is a long day.  I am up early to walk before work, and see departing tenants looking sad as they pack their cars for the ride home.  By mid-moring, the cleaning crews scatter the island for the change-overs.  By early afternoon, the next group of tenants arrive – anxious to get to their rental houses and on the beach. 

    In the evening, the smell of steaks on the grill surrounds you. Outside showers are running, and beach chairs and toys are piled in side yards.  After dark, the decks are filled with happy people grateful to be on vacation.  The “happy people” can be a bit frustrating for those of us who work the next day and are trying to sleep!

    But, the trade off of coping through a handful of Saturday nights is well worth the benefits of living in a seashore community.Â