Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • Sunday Sights

     

    This was my view yesterday morning. Perfect weather for the Easter sunrise service on 30th Street in Avalon.

    And THIS was my view later in the day:  a baby seal hanging out on the beach in the south end of Stone Harbor.   He (or she) appeared healthy- just getting some sun and a nap! 

    The police were on hand to keep onlookers at a safe distance.  The officer mentioned that this is the first seal he has seen all winter (it’s not unusual for seals to make a pit stop on our beach).

    See related posts from my other “seal sightings”-

    https://anndelaney.com/2011/03/19/last-weekend-of-winter/

    https://anndelaney.com/2010/04/16/april-seal/

    https://anndelaney.com/2010/02/03/its-a-beach-day/

  • Beach Walker’s Report

    The beaches along our seven mile island are in great shape for the fast approaching season.  In Stone Harbor (picture taken Tuesday after work- LOVE the late day shadows – 114th Street looking north ): newly planted dune grass and improved beach paths in many locations.   And, markers recently installed for the spaces leased for Hobie Cats south of 122nd Street.  Overall, good dune structure and wide beaches await.

    In Avalon (picture taken yesterday- 21st Street looking south): beach fill project is complete; providing wide, groomed beaches in our northend.  The mid-island and southend beach are likewise in excellent condition.

    If you need even more encouragment to come to the beach: yesterday I spotted at least 10 dolphins feeding near the 9th Street jetty in Avalon.  Always excited to see my kayaking buddies for the first time each year!

  • Spring Weekend

    Definitely FEELS like spring: longer days and a chilly sea breeze!  When the weather report predicts 70 degrees, we know it’s likely to be at least 10 degrees cooler by the beach.

    Speaking of the beach- Saturday is the 2nd annual Stone Harbor Shiver.  There will be a pre-plunge party on Friday night, and the crazy people will meet on the 96th Street beach at 12 noon on Saturday.  For more information: http://www.stoneharborbeach.com

    This is also the weekend to spring clean the house and garage, and/or treasure hunt in Stone Harbor.  The first bulk trash pick up of the year is on Monday, March 12th.

  • More Good News…

    I continue to be impressed with the market stats.  Consistent improvement month after month.

    In the past 30 days, a total of 19 properties sold and settled in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ.

    Condo/Townhouse Units:  9 sold, with a median selling price of $530,000.

    Single Family Homes: 8 sold, with a median selling price of $1,625,000.

    Commercial: 2 sold (the Avalon Anchorage Marina on 21st Street and the bay side building where Polly’s Place is located on 97th Street). A median selling price of $1,933,000.

    In addition, there are 48 properties “Under Contract” with settlement scheduled to occur in the near future.  The median listing price for those sale pending is $844,500 (a mix of condos/townhomes and single family homes).

    P.S. I revised the numbers after new postings on our MLS- 2 solds and 1 under contract! Current as of 5pm on 2/27/12.

    If you are interested in a shore purchase, or selling your current island home, I appreciate the opportunity to help!   ann@anndelaney.com

  • Dune Grass Planting

    Stone Harbor is actively planting dune grass on the restored dunes between 92nd and 111th Streets.  The grass holds the sand in place and allows the dunes to build up naturally over time.

    I watched the crew yesterday: one man operated a  power tool to dig the holes, while others followed behind with stalks of grass. Very efficient system.

    My own personal experience of planting dune grass is a bit different.  In the late 1960s,  a local man established a plan for regular dune grass plantings in Avalon.  Mr. Fenton Groff  lived near the beach in the south end, and understood the value of preserving the dunes.

    The students at Avalon Elementary participated…with the lure of free hot dogs!  We worked for 3 or 4 hours on Saturday morning, and then returned to the school cafeteria (cold and very sandy) for lunch.  No fancy motorized tools way back then- we were armed with shovels and encouraged to aim for a straight line. 

    Like so many events of my childhood, dune grass plantings are a fun memory- and definitely unique to life at the shore!

  • What’s Selling?

    Real estate agents all along the New Jersey coast are optimistic for 2012 after a busy start to the new year.

    In Avalon and Stone Harbor, there are currently 37 properties sale pending with settlements scheduled over the next few months.

    Breaking down the numbers: 12 of the 37 are condo/townhouse units, ranging from $439,000 (asking price) for a 3 bedroom condo on 79th Street; to $1,350,000 for a large bay front side by side.  The median asking price for pending condo/townhouse units is $644,950.

    As typical in our market, the majority of pending sales are single family homes (23 in this case).  They range from $699,999 for a basic cottage on 31st Street; to $3,295,000 for a bay front home on Flamingo Drive.   The median asking price for pending single family homes is $1,299,000.

    Also pending: 1 commercial parcel in Avalon, and 1 duplex in Stone Harbor.

    Sellers are realistic and buyers are confident; the right balance as our market continues to recover.

    2/14/12 P.S.  Setting appointments for a Thursday showing, and 2 of the homes I planned to show are now under contract.  Also heard that there were 3 offers on a well priced duplex in Stone Harbor- pushing the final selling price just over asking.  So happy to see this activity!

  • Summer Rentals

    Our 2012 rental season is off to a great start.  Tenants are booking early to secure just the right spot for their shore vacation.

    If you or your friends are considering a summer rental on the island, now is the ideal time to review the options:  http://www.powerplayrealty.com/rentals

    Or, contact me with your requirements, and I will forward my suggestions.

    An experienced agent KNOWS the property, location, and owner…and can provide additional feedback to make sure it’s a good fit.

    Thanks…I appreciate the business!  ann@anndelaney.com

  • Escape to the Shore!

    What could be better?  Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condominium located just 1 block from the beach.  Updated kitchen (new appliances), central air, and attractive furnishings…ready to go!

    Park your car in the covered garage. Walk to restaurants, recreation activities, beach or bay.  Private balcony with a glimpse of the ocean, too.

    $409,000 furnished

    For additional information and interior photos of this Stone Harbor, NJ property: http://www.powerplayrealty.com/sales/detail/258/8001-second-avenue-unit-210-2nd-floor-facing-80thst

    Thank you for your interest, or for sending this along to a friend.  ann@anndelaney.com

  • Just the Facts…

    Market stats- past 30 days in Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ.

    A total of 24 properties sold; 12 single family homes, 11 condo/townhouse units, and 1 commercial property.

    Condo/Townhouse Sales:  ranged from $160,000 for a 1 bedroom/1 bath Beachcomber condo/motel unit; to $825,000 for new construction side by side townhouse style on 29th Street.  There were 4 sales in Stone Harbor; 7 in Avalon.  The median selling price was $420,000.

    Single Family Sales: ranged from a low of $845,000 for an upside down style home with wetlands views on 24th Street; to $3,800,000 for a 1960’s era tear down on the beach front of 17th Street.  There were 3 sales in Stone Harbor; 9 in Avalon.  Median selling price was $1,550,000.

    Commercial Sale:  97th and Third Avenue- 3 store fronts plus 2nd floor offices.  Located on the bay.  Sold for $1,800,000.

    In addition, there are 31 properties Under Contract, with settlement scheduled to occur within the next few months.

  • Stone Harbor History

    WeberCourtThe Stone Harbor Museum newsletter arrived the other day- featuring an article on the Bungalow Colony.  Today, we refer to those streets as “the Courts”- Bower, Weber, and Stone Court.

    The charming cottages were built in the early 1900’s; with total living space of less than 500 square feet!

    I have a personal connection with the cottages:

    My father passed away in 1993.  Several years later to acknowledge his birthday, my mother gave my sisters and me each a check.  She said it was a gift from our dad, and we should do something special for ourselves.  I held on to the check for months- waiting for just the right reason to cash it.

    Later that year, I was showing a basic cottage on Weber Court that was new on the sale market.  My customers were overwhelmed with the amount of work needed, but I saw great potential.  My father’s gift became the initial deposit check on a contract to purchase!  My husband and I renovated the cottage, and eventually sold it in 2002 before purchasing our current location.

    After we built our new home, my mother gave me the attached photo.  It’s my father’s family on vacation in Stone Harbor…in a cottage…on Weber Court.  My father used to talk about his childhood summers in Stone Harbor in a small house, but I had no idea of the location until I looked closely at the photo (addresses on the Court are a unique combination of a letter and number).

    From my house, I can see the cottage pictured.  I love the idea that the “7 year old version of my father” and I share the same beach.  And, I am sure he is pleased with how I spent my “gift”  🙂