I started this blog in November 2006; signed up for Twitter in January 2010; and now it’s time for You Tube . The plan is to post real estate related videos.
Decided to experiment with the video function on my phone during my morning beach walk. First lesson learned: when I hit record, I should stop singing along with my iPod 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/anndelaneybeach
Will move on to filming houses/neighborhoods next…
We had a positive experience renting a condo for our recent vacation in South Carolina. Interesting to compare the differences in procedures in other beach areas:
1) Linens and bath towels were supplied by the rental management company- very helpful since we were flying to our destination.  This extra perk explains the additional change over time needed (10am check out/ 4 pm check in- we are 10am/2pm).
2) Clutter versus supplies- I’ve seen rental homes here with kitchen drawers and cabinets filled with “stuff”. This rental was the opposite- a well equipped kitchen, but no sandwich bags, foil, spices, laundry detergent, etc.  Guessing that the cleaning service removes all of the extras between each tenant (we put the almost full bottle of laundry detergent on a closet shelf- hoping the next guest can use it).  I understand the policy, but it’s nice to have a few basics on hand to start (and replace as needed).
3) Properties offered by this management company are all smoke free…and offer wireless Internet service.  Most of our rental homes are smoke free (owner’s choice) and at least 50% have Internet access- a popular amenity with tenants.
It’s important for rental property owners to understand the competition for a tenant’s hard earned vacation dollar- in the immediate area, and other beach destinations as well.  When I am on the “other side”, I have a new appreciation for the service expected by tenants and owners- it’s a great learning experience.
Back from a one week vacation from work (and the computer).
This picture was taken on Tybee Island, GA (outside Savannah). The colorful pole warns residents and visitors of the potential flood level associated with a hurricane. Even a moderate category 2 hurricane showed a flood surge over my head! Yikes.
On to unusual real estate (of course I have to study the market in other beach communities): on Hilton Head Island, there is a small bridge to Deer Island- with free standing “Sea Lofts” along the marsh. Very different!
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Hilton Head Island is beautiful.  Bike riding is the preferred means of transportation (including along the hard sand on the beach- a real treat with the wind at your back!)
The homes are built to complement the wooded environment- earth tones and natural building materials.Â
Driving to work today, I realized the biggest difference between Avalon/ Stone Harbor and Hilton Head Island – the sky. The trees on HHI block the hot summer sun, but also make it darker on a cloudy day. I really appreciated the open feel as I drove along Dune Drive this morning. Good to be back!
http://www.cleanoceanaction.org/index.php?id=634
Saturday, April 24th at 9am, join your seashore neighbors for the annual beach clean up day.   More information on the attached link.
Last year, I was unable participate in the organized event, so I brought a trash bag on my morning walk before work.  I was disappointed how much I collected in a short period of time.  Does that mean we don’t notice the trash otherwise…or do we choose to look the other way?  Imagine the progress with hundreds of volunteers along the Jersey Shore.
Avalon and Stone Harbor are participating in the nationwide Open House weekend. Great time to sample the inventory of sale properties at the shore.Â
If you have any specific questions, please give me a call 609-967-7950 or send an e-mail: ann@anndelaney.com   I appreciate the opportunity to help 🙂
Visit Avalon and Stone Harbor this Saturday and Sunday for our big Open House Weekend.
My featured sale listings:
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/235Â Â Â 22 Linden Lane, Stone Harbor.
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/234Â Â Â 55- 32nd Street, Avalon.
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/237Â Â Â 226- 54th Street, Avalon.
Let me know if you would like additional information in advance. I appreciate the opportunity to help! ann@anndelaney.com
 During the last 30 days in Avalon and Stone Harbor:Â
14 properties SOLD, and 29 are SALE PENDING.
Rental activity for 2010 is strong, too.
 A good day to think about summer in Avalon and Stone Harbor.
Weekly and full season rentals available in all shapes and sizes…beach to bay.
Send me your “wish list” and I will e-mail you a list of options: Â ann@anndelaney.com
Thank you for the opportunity to help with your seashore vacation 🙂
Well…the weather report was right.  Basically, an ugly day at the shore!
Hard to see in the picture, but the wind is pushing the rain sideways down Dune Drive. Avalon Coffee made a good effort for the morning. The lights in Hoy’s are bright against the dark sky. And the real estate offices are open- optimistic that winter weary folks will call or e-mail to make summer plans.   ann@anndelaney.com  if I can be of assistance.
There are currently 24 properties sale pending in Avalon and Stone Harbor. Â
15 are single family homes, 6 are condo/townhouse units, and 3 are vacant lots. The list prices range from a low of $194,000 (an efficiency condo on 102nd Street in Stone Harbor) to $3,195,000 (a bay front home on Fifth Avenue in Avalon). The median list price is $1,432,000.
An additional 10 properties SOLD during the past 30 days – challenging with 3 snow storms!Â
7 single family homes and 3 condo/townhouse units were in this group, with final selling prices from $349,000 (a cottage on Weber Court in Stone Harbor) to $2,029,500 (a custom new construction on 108th Street, Stone Harbor). The median selling price was $925,000.Â