1) Avalon Coffee is back open (weekends)- across from my office on 29th and Dune Drive. There are tables and chairs outside for soaking  up the sun!
2) An increase in rental bookings for summer 2010.  It’s the ideal time to plan your seashore vacation.Â
3) The anticipation of “opening soon” signs on local restaurants and shops. St. Patrick’s Day weekend and Easter week are the next big target dates. Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner…
We’ve lived in many different homes over the years- a mix of old and new…and all within a few miles of the others. While I still love our current “beach house” built just 5 years ago, I also admire so many other island homes. I tend to select a new favorite every few months!
My latest infatuation?  A charming home under construction on 92nd Street.  The architecture reminds me of the story book cottages in Carmel, CA. Interesting exterior trim detail, and a modest sized structure- well suited for the lot and neighborhood.
Grateful for the mild temperatures to encourage my walks…and house stalking  🙂
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/235
22 Linden Lane, Stone Harbor- Adorable cottage located on a quiet lane between 84th and 85th Streets. Walk to the beach, recreation area, and Mack’s Pizza :)   Totally renovated and ready to use year round. Summer 2010 weekly rentals booked- instant income! Â
Rental details:
http://powerplayrealty.com/rentals/detail/37
Link for the sale page of the Power Play Realty web site for current listings in the area: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales
This page also allows you to search through all properties in the Cape May County Multiple Listing System.
Any questions? ann@anndelaney.com or 609-967-7950 office
Thanks for the opportunity to help!
Temperatures close to the 40’s inspired a walk on the beach this morning. Snow flurries competed with the sun breaking through the clouds.
Cure for cabin fever?  Come to the shore and book your summer rental!
The summer rental business provides an opportunity to focus on the warmer months at the shore. I appreciate the break from reality and the opportunity to help so many families with their vacation plans.
This morning, the birds are chirping amid the snow flurries…it’s just wrong!
Cape May County property owners receive a green postcard each year stating the tax assessment for their property. It’s not a new figure each year- unless the owner challenged the assessment or the town was recently re-assessed (Stone Harbor for example).
In years with appreciating values, we didn’t give these figures much thought. However, with the assessments established during the “boom years”, the old values are often out of line with the current market.
Property owners have the right to challenge the assessment through the Cape May County Board of Taxation. Visit the web site for additional information: http://www.capemaycountygov.net/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=5&TPID=439
A few tips: Owners must prove fair market value as of October 1, 2009. Therefore, comparable sales to support value should be between 10/1/08 and 10/1/09. There is a 15% leeway of assessment to fair market value- an appeal of value of 15% or less will not be successful.Â
I am happy to e-mail you comparable sales within the permitted dates for your neighborhood.   Drop me a note ann@anndelaney.com with your request.
Tired of the cold weather and snow? Thinking about summer at the shore is a perfect distraction.
I appreciate the opportunity to help you or your friends find a vacation home in the Avalon/ Stone Harbor area.
ann@anndelaney.com or (609) 967-7950
Owners of seashore vacation homes may have a different plan for their homes next winter.Â
Many want the flexibility of keeping their homes “up and running” for an occasional weekend visit. But if schedules and weather prevent regular trips, winterizing the property provides peace of mind.    To winterize, a plumber turns the water off at the curb, and uses a compressor to blow air through the pipes. Anti-freeze is poured in the toilets, washer, and dishwasher, and the ice maker line is disconnected. The heat can be turned off, but some owners prefer low heat settings to prevent musty furniture/fabrics.
A whole house turn off valve is helpful, but water is still in the toilets, drains, and bottom of the dishwasher.  The power outages last week meant no heat- and the risk for frozen pipes.
Another alternative is a winter watch service. Property management companies, or individual handyman types inspect the property several times each month- and specifically after a storm. This may not seem necessary when you live less than 2 hours away- but life does not always allow you to drop everything and drive down to the shore.
Saw more streets with lights last night, but there are sections of Avalon and Stone Harbor still without power. If you own a summer home on the island, it makes sense to have your plumber check the house/pipes just to be sure. Some blocks were only out for 24 hours…others for 4 days (and some still out). There is a risk for frozen pipes when the heat is off for an extended period of time.
If you need a recommendation for a local plumber, I am glad to help. 609-967-7950 work, or ann@anndelaney.com