Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Seashore Real Estate

  • Philadelphia Inquirer article

    Good article today about shore real estate in the Business section of the Philadelphia Inquirer (I would link the article, but the pop up ads drive me crazy).

    An interesting quote: “In Avalon and Stone Harbor, home to some of the Shore’s most expensive dwellings, prices rose 59.3% between 2000 and 2010.  They have fallen 18.8% since 2006’s second quarter…”

    The bottom line is that residential real estate (including seashore real estate) is a solid long term investment.   

    For a vacation home purchase- pick a great location, and spend only what you can afford to carry.  Rental income will help with the expenses, but will not pay the mortgage.  It’s a lifestyle decision.  Will your family enjoy time at property?  Will the home be a gathering spot for your grown children?  Will this provide the needed escape from the real world?

    I feel so fortunate to be part of the dream – helping hundreds of buyers/sellers/tenants on our seven mile island over the years.  This is my home as well as my business, and  I appreciate the real “value” of our real estate!

  • September Market Stats

    Avalon & Stone Harbor, NJ– sale stats for the past 30 days.

    31 properties SOLD (settlement).  Ranging from $310,000 for a hotel/condo unit on 79th Street; to $3,300,000 for an ocean front single family home on 27th Street.  The median sold price was $1,150,000.  Average days on the market- 294.  Break down by town: 7 of the properties sold were in Stone Harbor; 24 in Avalon.  25 were single family homes; 5 condo/townhouse units, and 1 duplex (sold for land value- new side by side units to be built on the site).

    There are an additional 42 properties SALE PENDING (settlement scheduled within the next few months).  The list prices range from $364,900 for another hotel/condo on 79th Street; to $4,695,000 for a new, custom bay front home on 42nd Street.  The median list price is $1,048,250.  Break down by town: 12 in Stone Harbor; and 30 in Avalon.  26 are single family homes; 15 condo/townhouse units; and 1 vacant lot.

  • Stone Harbor- video

    http://www.youtube.com/user/AnnDelaneyBeach   Just posted interior and exterior view videos of 222 104th Street, Stone Harbor (sale listing).  I know, I know…don’t give up my day job!

     For more pictures and details of this charming old seashore home, visit the Power Play web site: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/244

    Thanks for your interest!

  • Wings ‘n Water Festival

    My early morning version of wings ‘n water.  A beautiful day at the shore!

    The island is active with home owners and visitors.  The Wetlands Institute has a full weekend of events planned : http://wetlandsinstitute.org/

     If you are house hunting, stop by 222 104th Street, Stone Harbor.  Charming old seashore restored with quality amenities.

  • Mold

    We live on an island…surrounded by water.  There are many days when we can actually SEE the moisture in the air.

    This unique environment requires homes to be properly vented to prevent damage from moisture and mold. 

    1) Crawl Space: open the foundation vents in the spring and replace the crawl space door with a screened door (Richardson’s Screen on 39th and Ocean Drive will make one to fit).  Remove any debris in the crawl- especially wood products.  Left over decking is “lunch” for termites.  Unless your ground regularly floods, a vapor barrier is recommended (basically, a thick plastic cover for the dirt).  Close the vents/ crawl door in the fall to protect exposed water pipes during the cold months.

    2) Attic: The soffit vents (around the perimeter of the house) need to be clear of insulation.  Newer homes have ridge vents to help with air flow.

    3) Drainage:  Most newer homes do not have gutters.  This drives the home inspectors crazy!  Make sure water does not flow toward the house (and into the crawl space) after a heavy rain.  Also check the water flow from the outside shower- proper grading will help.  Trim landscaping away from foundation vents.  And remember the old landscaping design with raised beds and railroad ties?  This is a termite and moisture combination that will ultimately cause major problems.

  • 222 104th Street, Stone Harbor

    Do you know a buyer for this home?

    Vintage Stone Harbor Craftsman style cottage.  Built in 1946 and thoughtfully restored in 2005 incorporating quality amenities.  5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 zone gas heat/central air, gas fireplace, great kitchen, maintenance free exterior, covered porch and huge sun deck, 2 car detached garage, and an over-sized lot.  $1,599,000 attractively furnished.

    For additional information and photos: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/244

    Thank you for your interest!

  • A visit from Earl?

    An ordinary set of table and chairs on a sun deck- no problem until the wind carries the furniture to a new location, and the tempered glass breaks into a zillion pieces.

    Hopefully, Earl just buzzes by our coast.  Yet high winds can still be an issue.  Best bet is to secure all outside furniture, the grill, kayaks, trash cans, etc.

    If you need to hire someone to help with these tasks, Maids Available Services has staff available:  maidsavailable@yahoo.com  or 609-263-1747.

  • Stone Harbor Craftsman Style

      Charming seashore home originally built in 1946, and thoughtfully restored in 2005.  Owners maintained the character, while updating with quality products and amenities.  House is situated on an over-sized lot and features 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, a detached 2 car garage, wrap around porch, 2 zone gas heat/air, gas fireplace, wood floors, and a maintenance free exterior.  $1,599,000 furnished.

    For more information:  ann@anndelaney.com   Direct link to detail sheet (and more photos) on www.Realtor.com    http://tinyurl.com/22p25f3

  • Beach Sunset

    sunsetThe view from the beach in Stone Harbor Tuesday night.

    With the recent heat…the beach is the best place to be!

    P.S.  We have rental openings during the next few weeks- if you know someone considering a last minute vacation at the shore,  I am happy to help.

  • Rental Owner Suggestions

    RentalHouseIf you own a rental property at the shore, it’s helpful to make at least one personal inspection during the summer season.

    The change over cleaning services work hard every Saturday, but they can only do so much.  And many items are not in their job description.

    For instance, the stones in the yard.  Are they all over the sidewalk and curb?  Do you need a touch up spray for weeds?  Same with the deck- a cleaning service will not typically check the deck for sand or dirt.  Is the deck umbrella still in one piece (it’s been a windy summer!).  How about the grill?  Is there a grill brush nearby to encourage tenants to scrub it down after use?

    Inside- check ceiling fans for accumulated dust; and with the recent heat, the air conditioning return vents are likely in need of a good cleaning.

    By August, the homes can be a bit “tired”- a disappointment to the prime time tenants when they arrive.  The extra effort by owners to keep their property in top condition pays off.  Plus, happy tenants = happy rental agents 🙂