 Built in 1895 as a lifesaving station, this classic seashore building located on the corner of 117th and Second Avenue, Stone Harbor is owned by American Legion Post 331. A major restoration project is almost complete, including handpainted murals inside the garage doors.
Hard to do it justice with a camera phone- very impressive in person. For additional information:
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/31184-legion-post-makes-historic-register
 Aaaahhhh…back on the beach for a walk after work. The sun was out, and it was a beautiful afternoon.
 But first, I had to get on the beach. This sign was posted on the steps at the end of our street- there was a storm while we were away that caused some beach erosion. Oh well, just had to climb over a railing and around the fence…and jump a bit at the end of the path (the sign didn’t mean that I couldn’t access the beach :)  Once I was on the beach, the damage was moderate. Thankfully, a beach replenishment is scheduled for Stone Harbor this fall.Â
 Typical with our winter storms- items wash up on the beach.  Pieces of a Hobie Cat were scattered on the beach at the Point. Also at the Point- bird watchers. Saw a bird watching couple making out (smooching)…I guess bird watching is more exciting than I thought?? Funny…
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/pages
Check out the Tim Kerr’s Power Play Realty web site- specifically the information page. You will find restaurant information, maps, and links to a variety of local businesses.Â
Columbus Day Weekend at the shore:Â
The Indian Summer Seafood Festival in Avalon- 30th Street and the beach; from 11 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Live music, family entertainment, and excellent food from local vendors.
In Stone Harbor- The Art & Music Festival all day Saturday and Sunday on 96th Street. Most downtown retail stores will be open all weekend, too.Â
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/pages/market-statistics-updated-avalon-stone-harbor-sea-isle-nj
Click on the above link to the Power Play Realty web site to view current market stats.
Quick summary: The overall inventory has increased, as well as days on market. The highest “days on market” month this summer indicates a clearance of old sale listings (most of which had price reductions over their long period on the market). Since January 2008, the percentage between original asking price and final selling price has lowered -from over 25% to a current rate of 17%. This means that sellers have become more realistic about the value of their property- and understand, if listed at the right price, it will sell.Â
Bottom Line: Properties in all price ranges are selling at the shore. Buyers want “value” for their dollar- and will pay a fair price for prime locations.
If you have any questions regarding market values in Avalon or Stone Harbor, I am happy to help: ann@anndelaney.com or 800-682-5940
 The activity at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary is increasing- both human and bird traffic. The new walkways and gardens are very attractive- worth a visit.Â
Park at 114th Street and Third Avenue, and wander around the park area. Then cross the street to the bay and watch the evening sunset. It’s a very peaceful area of town.
 Often it’s the “no name” storms that cause the most concern. The strong north east wind blows the soft sand sideways (ouch- that stings), and causes some beach erosion (that stings even more). We expect a few days worth of high winds, rough seas, and at least one day of heavy rain 🙁
 Vehicles must now be permitted at the point- it was very active there this afternoon with families fishing and just hanging out at the beach. It’s worth the long walk around the end of the island to see a true natural beach.
There was an odd bird sitting by the water’s edge- much larger than a New Jersey seagull, with icy blue eyes. It looked like a prehistoric type featured on a brochure for the Galapagos Islands! I guess he took the wrong exit…
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Exceptional value- older bay front cottage located on a beautiful wide basin in Stone Harbor, NJ. Ideal site to build a new home. The lot will accommodate a 1,650 square foot 2 story home- not a “McMansion”, yet comparable to a townhouse (with the added benefit of more deck/dock space and privacy). The existing cottage is functional, but the sellers are realistic about the highest and best use for this prime location. Price at land value: $1,295,000.
Update- Property now under contract 🙂
  
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Call for more details: 800-682-5940 or ann@anndelaney.com
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 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/
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