Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • Market Update

    I heard a great quote last week describing our current real estate market: “we are bouncing around the bottom”.  I think that says it all.  No one has the ability to make absolute predictions, but I sincerely believe that we will look back in a few years and there will be regrets of missed buying opportunities. 

    During my 25+ years of selling real estate on the island, I can’t tell you how many times a potential buyer has said “I remember when I could have purchased that property for $—“.  We know from experience that today’s prices will eventually seem like a bargain. 

    Why?  The second home market is fueled by the wealth of the baby boomers; Avalon and Stone Harbor have brand name recognition for those baby boomers; mortgage rates are favorable; the Jersey Shore is a convienent drive for short visits (a general vacation trend); and this is a beautiful area!

    When you or your friends are ready to buy a beach house, I will be here to help!   Call or e-mail with any questions: 

    (800) 682-5940  or  ann@anndelaney.com

  • 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?

  • Sunshine!

    What a treat to walk along the beach this morning with the sun on my face (and SPF 15 of course!).  After weeks of cold, rainy weather, we have a beautiful weekend to enjoy.  Ideal conditions for real estate shopping, too!

    ocean.jpg

  • 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.

    yard.jpg

  • 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 Snow

    I spoke too soon when I mentioned the improving weather at the shore.  We had a few inches of snow yesterday from the quick moving storm.  It will melt just as quickly with temperatures forecasted to be in the 50’s by the weekend.  So, still plan your visit to Avalon and Stone Harbor!

    beachmarch2.jpg   

  • 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!