Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Seashore Real Estate

  • The Marble House in Avalon

    For the past 10 years, the “Marble House” has been the must see house on the island.  And now it’s for sale (see attached link below).

    I was able to preview the house yesterday during an agent’s open house- and left with a better impression than I expected.

    There is a museum quality about the interior- perfectly appointed and nothing out of place.  It has to be the most immaculate house I have ever seen- my OCD gene appreciates a well maintained home without clutter!  There are no signs of wear and tear on the wood and marble floors or the fixtures. 

    The views from the 2nd floor are of the dunes and distant horizon of the ocean. If you bravely climb the spiral staircase to the 3rd floor deck (level with the roof) you will be rewarded with amazing views all around.  The odd part is the proximity of your north side neighbor.  One agent suggested a water slide from the top deck down to their pool (it feels like you are hanging over their pool rather than the pool on this site).

    The exterior is intimidating (maybe it’s the security cameras??), but the interior space is more neutral and calming than I anticipated.  The colors are soft, and huge windows provide incredible light.  The house is designed for entertaining- you can picture elegant parties around the private pool and massive 2nd floor great room.

    Fun to see a unique Avalon home…now to find a buyer!

    http://capemay.fnismls.com/publink/default.asp?GUID=312212e1-8ff7-47c9-95e5-26702c1af6f3&Report=Yes

    (you may need to copy/paste the link in to your browser bar)

     

     

  • September at the Shore

    september.jpg Comfortable temperatures, a warm ocean, and excellent real estate opportunities!  Properties are easy to see (no summer tenants to disturb), interest rates are expected to fall, and prices are reasonable…for the seashore  🙂

    If you are dreaming of a vacation home in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know.  I will be happy to send you a link of options for sale from the Multiple Listing Service.  Or visit our web site, and search the MLS directly:  www.powerplayrealty.com

    Upcoming Local Events- The Wing & Water Festival 9/20- 9/21:  http://www.wetlandsinstitute.org/

    and Irish Festival in North Wildwood  9/18- 9/21:  http://www.paddyswell.com/irishweekend.html/

     

  • How’s Business?

    I hear this question every day…and ask the same question when I talk with other local business owners. 

    The season started off a bit unsettled.  I believe our visitor base had concerns about gas prices, and the economy in general.  Prime rental properties experienced vacancies in July.  Summer homeowners provided weekend business for the restaurants and shops, but the island was quiet mid-week.

    Beautiful weather and warm temperatures increased demand as we approached August.  Last minute requests for weekly rentals continue; and we have “sold out” island wide for the past few weeks.  We expect strong occupancy numbers through Labor Day Weekend.

    The bottom line: The Seven Mile Beach is an exceptional, name brand destination- located within a reasonable driving distance of a huge customer base.  Summer of 2008 is proof that we can survive challenging economic times.

  • Weekend Wrap Up

    Another big weekend along Seven Mile Beach.  The first Saturday of August is traditionally our busiest rental check in day, with the popular Arts and Crafts Show one of the main attractions.  A fast moving thunderstorm rolled in early Saturday morning.  The gusty winds toppled several deck tables- a frustrating mess because the tempered glass breaks in to a billion pieces! (a practical reason to always secure your deck umbrella when not in use).

    twilight.jpg  A Walk After Sunset Tonight

    It was wonderfully cool along the beach- and the lights of Wildwood boardwalk glowed in the distance.  One bright star over the calm ocean, and a crescent moon over the bay.  Most decks were in use as family and friends enjoyed the night (this is the true sense of a seashore vacation).  I also appreciated the opportunity to see inside the well lit homes as I walked by (totally real estate related…not just me being nosy!)

     

  • Why People Buy?

    Someone once commented that the buyers in Avalon and Stone Harbor are the “haves…and the have mores”.

    However for most families, buying a shore house is not about keeping up with their neighbors.  They love the area, have great memories from their childhood, and want to pass along that joy to their children and grandchildren.

    Pride of ownership is evident and it adds to the overall look of the island. This time of year especially, we admire the flower gardens, manicured lawns, and attractively decorated porches. 

  • Something for Everyone

    sunocean.jpg  Real estate- in the right location- is a solid long term investment.  Unlike stocks and bonds- a home offers tangible benefits.  And now there are more afordable options than ever!  In Avalon and Stone Harbor, single family cottages are available as low as $525,000; and condominiums start at $325,000.

    So, when a buyer is hesitant to move forward- I’m confused.  If a seashore home is within your means- why wait?   In my 25+ years of selling real estate, I’ve never had a buyer tell me they regretted their purchase.  In fact, most come back to me in 5 or 10 years to do it again  🙂

    P.S. Picture taken this morning as I walked along the beach- keeping pace with a dolphin just beyond the 1st break of waves- with a cool breeze off the water. The winds are steady from the south east- a perfect day…

  • That’s Better!

    fishing.jpg  The regular “fisherwomen” are back in their southend spot (they caught something as I walked by!); and the surfers were out in force at “Nun’s Beach” to take advantage of the waves…a beautiful morning.

    This is part of an e-mail I received yesterday from one of my recent buyers: The kids loved the place so much Ann, Luke must have thanked me at least 5 times for getting us a beach house!!! Claire ran in the first night after she saw the lights in Avalon and said, “mom look- it is the most beautiful thing I ever saw- I love this town”!! 

    That made my day.  The best part of my job is sharing my enthusiasm for the island.  A house or condo just happens to come along with a positive lifestyle decision.  And I feel privileged to help with the process!

  • Philadelphia Inquirer- Article

    Article in the 5/23/08 Inquirer about Seashore Home Decor…with a familiar house featured!

    http://www.philly.com/inquirer/home_design/

     

  • Second Home Sales

    From National Association of Realtors:

    Second-Homes Accounted

    For One-Third of

    Transactions in 2007

    The combined total of vacation- and investment-home sales declined with the overall market in 2007, but still accounted for 33 percent of all existing- and new-home sales, which is close to historic norms, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). The market share of homes purchased for investment last year was 21 percent, which only dropped 1 percent compared to 2006, while the market share of vacation homes was 12 percent in 2007, compared to 14 percent in 2006

  • Borrowing to Buy

    The mortgage environment has certainly changed, but lenders are finding ways to work within the new guidelines.  For example, many seashore buyers secure 2 loans to complete a purchase:  the 1st loan of $417,000 (a “conforming” loan with an attractive interest rate); and a home equity line against their primary home for the balance.  This enables the buyer to avoid the higher interest rate charged for “jumbo” loans.

    When selecting a loan for a vacation home, it’s important to think ahead.  Are you likely to own the house for 30 years and pay off the loan?  Or, realistically, will you hold the house for 10 years and then trade up to another location/property style?  If a 10 year holding period is more likely, a 10 year interest only mortgage may be a more cost effective fit.

    If you would like recommendations for mortgage representatives in the Avalon and Stone Harbor area, please let me know.