Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Life at the Shore

  • January Weather

    Okay…I will admit that I was feeling proud of myself…maybe even a bit smug.  Every morning, I slipped on my sneakers and iPod to enjoy a long walk on the beach.  Why go to a gym when I have a beautiful view just down the street? 

    But this past week, something changed.  It’s called JANUARY- the true test of my dedication to a fitness routine.  I have added a few more layers to face the 20 mph winds and the 30 degree temperatures (it’s not a fashionable look).

    My younger son, who lives in Colorado, thinks I’m a wimp when I complain about the cold.  He copes with below freezing temperatures on a regular basis- but it’s a “dry cold” (he says that so we don’t worry). With the mightly Atlantic Ocean nearby, our cold is anything but dry. 

    Many of my fellow walkers have fled to warmer climates for the winter (or maybe just to their treadmills).  There are a few hardy souls left and they inspire me to stay outdoors and keep walking!

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  • Football vs. Real Estate

    Last night’s game was a disappointing loss for Eagles’ fans, but as a real estate agent, I know that the end of the line for the Philadelphia team triggers the “kick off” of the seashore sale and rental season.  Planning a vacation or a purchase of a beach house soothes the soul of a heartbroken fan…and we are here and ready to help!

  • Happy 2007!

    The New Year is bringing good news on the real estate front.  Philadelphia Magazine’s recent issue has an interesting article about second and vacation home opportunities, and a segment on the Today Show this morning talked about the benefits of buying real estate now.  Locally, the number of  “under contract” postings in our Multiple Listing Service confirms this positive trend. 

    Another gauge of the confidence level in our area is the vast amount of new constrution underway.  Developers may not be as enthusiastic about building spec houses right now, but private homeowners are tearing down their older seashore homes and building beautiful new homes on their lots.  The quality of the architecture and construction is impressive, and continues to set a high bar for real estate along the coast.

  • Merry Christmas!

    My youngest son lives in Colorado and is literally surrounded by mountains of snow.  Thankfully, we will enjoy 60 degree temperatures here at the shore – perfect beach weather for December!  The island is quiet as many of the locals travel to see family.  New Year’s weekend is popular with our summer property owners.  Be sure to take advantage of the sales on New Year’s Day in the local shops if you are in town.

    The picture attached was taken yesterday morning as I walked on the beach.  The sky and water were purple at sunrise- an amazing view!  Have a wonderful holiday.

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  • Naples: Our “south beach”?

    There is an interesting connection between Avalon / Stone Harbor, and Naples, Florida.  Many local property owners (both year round and summer residents) also own in the Naples area.  The real estate markets are similar, and Naples has the same “name brand” recognition as Avalon and Stone Harbor.  It’s certainly not as casual as the Jersey Shore (iron that Windrift shirt before shopping at Publix), but the elegant atmosphere is part of the fun.  My current favorite restaurant: Zoe’s on 5th Avenue.

  • Christmas at the Shore

    Downtown Avalon and Stone Harbor hosted various Christmas events last weekend- and the crowds were here to participate.  After a nasty 2 day north east storm, beautiful weather returned in time for the parade and shopping.  Other than the hats and gloves, it looked like an August weekend!  A variety of stores will be open (with excellent sales) through New Year’s Day. 

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