Category: Life at the Shore
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Island to Island
We had the opportunity to meet and talk with a temporary neighbor on our block. Â We saw the car, and house lights (rare this time of year!)- and guessed they were winter tenants- maybe while building a house?
It turns out they are full time residents of St. John, USVI. They were traveling just before the hurricanes, and then unable to get back home immediately after.
The husband is a charter boat captain, and the wife is a full time real estate agent for a Sotheby’s office on St. John. Â Obviously their lives and livelihoods were turned upside down.
Thankfully, their home survived the 200+ mile per hour winds (I can’t even imagine), and they are planning to move back by January -in time for high season. Â They shared stories of the resilience and recovery from their island neighbors- very inspiring.
I thought it was unusual that they took refuge on our island- but the wife grew up in Cape May Court House and they have family and friends nearby. We discovered several “small world” connections.
An evening of perspective to be grateful for our simple life – especially meaningful at Christmas.
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Stone Harbor Retreat for $299,000
The ideal year-round getaway close to the beach and downtown Stone Harbor!
162 96th Street, Unit 3, Stone Harbor NJ
For interior and exterior pictures, click HERE
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Thanksgiving Weekend Crowds
Perfect weather…and huge crowds for the community events in both Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Yesterday, one of my co-workers said downtown Avalon was so packed that it “looked like New York City- but with 4 year olds” 🙂
With the mild temperatures, tonight’s annual Christmas Parade will be the perfect way to wrap up the long weekend.
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Festive Friday in Avalon NJ
If you are on the island, stop by our Avalon office today for a FREE t-shirt.
Kid’s and adult sizes available- from all of the Tim Kerr Charities events.
Tim Kerr Sotheby’s International Realty   2821 Dune Drive, Avalon
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Thanksgiving/Christmas Festivities
BIG holiday weekend coming up in Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ!
Friday 11/24- Â Festive Friday along Dune Drive in Avalon. Â Stop by our office for a FREE Tim Kerr Race t-shirt. Fun activities for children through out the business district.
If you are wandering around Stone Harbor Friday evening for Hospitality Night (6- 9pm), stop in to say hello and see our NEW office on 96th Street.
Saturday 11/25- Snowfest Saturday in Avalon during the day…and the annual Christmas Parade in Stone Harbor at 6:30pm.
For the full list of events:
Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce
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Flood Insurance
On Tuesday, I attended an informative seminar on the ever changing flood insurance industry.
Key points:
1) The  updated FEMA flood maps have been approved, and are referenced by insurance companies to quote a flood policy.  The standard zone for most of the island is “A”.  There are fewer “V” zones (considered a location of high risk), plus the addition of “X” zones (the  highest elevation locations with lowest risk).
2) Locations off the island may now be classified within a flood zone- and therefore a lender may require a buyer to obtain flood insurance before closing.
3) Even if a property is located in the higher “X” zone, an owner is wise to maintain flood insurance.
4) A Flood Elevation Certificate is required to obtain a flood policy quote. Â The certificate will specify the elevation of the curb (the street), the elevation of the structure, and the details of the crawl space venting. Â This document is prepared by a surveyor/engineer.
5) Non-conforming structures will continue to pay an increase of 20- 25% each year until the policy reaches the max rate. Â Non-primary home owners pay a $250 surcharge each year.
6) Past flood insurance claims remain on the records for the property- even after a sale.  After 3 claims, FEMA may decline new coverage unless the  owner makes changes to bring the property into compliance (elevating the structure, adding vents).
7) There are higher deductible policies available as an option to save costs. Â However, a lender may not approve of a high deductible if the policy is obtained for a new purchase.
If you have any questions regarding flood insurance, I am happy to suggest local insurance agents and/or survey companies to help.
609-967-7950 Â Â Â Â ann.delaney@timkerrsir.com
