Our “leaf peeping” opportunities may be more limited by the beach, yet we will start to see colorful changes in the trees along the sand dunes. The access paths through the high dunes in Avalon are especially pretty this time of year.
Goldenrod is common along most of the beach entrances- blooming bright yellow for several weeks.
And finally, the vibrant green of the back bay marsh grass gradually fades as we approach the colder months.
The island is experiencing significant tidal flooding from the Nor’easter.
Because it’s a weekend in September, there are more people around than for a typical winter storm. And that means more vehicles driving through the salt water – causing damage to not only their own cars/ trucks, but also to the nearby homes and businesses.
I arrived to my office just before high tide, and watched the water quickly rise over the streets and sidewalks. Even our back parking lot has standing water.
It WILL drain, but that takes time.
P.S. My theory from several hours of watching the “traffic” from my office window: some drivers must believe that if they ride fast through the water, the displacement will keep their vehicle dry!
Cooler by a Mile will hopefully hold up for the holiday weekend 🙂
View the Stone Harbor fireworks on Friday night, and the Avalon fireworks on Saturday night.
Fascinating articles regarding trends within luxury real estate markets world-wide (see attached link).
Our experience here on the island mirrors these statistics.
https://www.luxuryoutlook.com/2026-mid-year-luxury-outlook-report/
Reminder to purchase your seasonal beach tags by May 31st for the reduced rate.
Tags are $37 now; $42 as of June 1st . Avalon and Stone Harbor tags are reciprocal.
Avalon
Total Sales this Month 11
Under 1M 2
Under 2M 2
Under 3M 3
Under 4M 1
Under 5M 0
Under 6M 1
Over 7M 2
Total Last Month 21
Total Last Year Same Month 20
Stone Harbor
Total Sales This Month 5
Under 1M 0
Under 2M 2
Under 3M 1
Under 4M 0
Under 5M 2
Over 5M 0
Total Last Month 6
Total Last Year Same Month 13
Current Inventory:
88 Total For Sale
35 in Stone Harbor
53 in Avalon
Inventory Break Down:
55 single family homes (even)
27 multi-family/condo/town homes (down 1)
6 lots (down 3)
Comparison With Last Month’s Inventory 92
Comparison With Inventory Same Time Last Year 126
Summary- overall, sale inventory is low…and buyer interest remains strong!
The water has drained, and all roads are dry 🙂
It was a soggy few days with moderate to major bayside tidal flooding in the usual locations throughout the island.
The beaches also took a hit with erosion. As is common from a Nor’easter, the north end of the island experienced the most damage.
Both municipalities are busy today cleaning up the debris left behind, and blocking off the affected beach paths for safety reasons.
Overall, we were fortunate…and ready for the sun to return!
While sitting with sellers last week as they signed off for their upcoming settlement, we talked about our LONG history together.
They purchased their property through me 34 years ago! I joked that I had patiently waited for that “flip” 😉
As I think about my 45 years in the real estate business, it’s amazing to consider what has changed…and what basically remains the same.
Technology is the most obvious change. I thought faxing contracts was hi-tech back in the day! Now it’s all e-signatures and scanned documents.
Our Multiple Listing Service used to distribute actual books every 2 weeks- and only to the participating real estate offices. Today’s buyers, who have full access to information via Zillow and Realtor.com, can’t fathom this limitation.
Marketing our listings has evolved from ads in the Philadelphia Inquirer, to posts on a variety of social media platforms.
Cell phones, apps, emails, and texts allow for more immediate access to all parties in a transaction.
So what’s the same?
My office location has always been within a 3 block radius on Dune Drive- with 22 years in my current space. I’m very content with my view of Hoy’s 5 & 10 across the street!
Relationships: technology has not eliminated my role in the buying, selling, and renting process. Customers value my experience, knowledge and resources. The island is my life long home. That local perspective can’t be found on Google!
Owning a vacation home is a lifestyle decision, not just a monetary transaction. Yes, real estate is a solid long term investment, yet almost equally as important, is the emotional value for the whole family.
I am here to help you and your friends in the Avalon and Stone Harbor area, and appreciate your referrals!
