Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Category: Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News

  • Packs of Dogs

    I look forward to Lisa Scottoline’s “Chick Wit” each Sunday in the Philadelphia Inquirer: http://scottoline.com/Site/Column/

    Back in March, Lisa observed the trend for multiple dogs in a household.  Based on a summer of walks on the beach and around town, I agree that everyone has a dog (or 2 or 3).

    I understand that the dogs can’t read the “no dogs” sign at the beach path (although their owner should know better).  But when I am chased or jumped on during my walk- I become less tolerant. 

    And I become very possessive of my beach and town when an owner fails to clean up after their dog.  I have seen owners look the other way and pretend not to notice (right on the beach path or at the water’s edge), and maybe even worse- toss the used plastic bag down one of the street gutters (which in turn flows right to the ocean).

    Because this will continue to be our reality, Stone Harbor and Avalon need to find the balance of welcoming our summer guests- and enforcing the basic rules.  I have not seen a police officer stop a dog walker on the beach in the early morning hours.  At the very least, I would appreciate the leash rule enforced. No one should feel intimidated to take a peaceful walk along the shore.

  • Stone Harbor in the News- NY Times

    http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/08/31/travel/escapes/31shore.html

    The New York area is discovering the southern end of the Jersey Shore- this is the second article featuring Avalon and/or Stone Harbor in as many weeks.

  • Enough Already!

    It’s been raining since Sunday and we are more than ready for the sun to return. A week like this is when the tenants appreciate the amenities provided in a rental home.  If the property is comfortable and inviting, a rainy day inside is more tolerable. 

    The skies are scheduled to clear today…although the view from my office window is still heavy mist/rain. Here’s to a brighter afternoon!

  • Brendan Borek Weekend

    I am proud to support the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund.  This is a true local charity- helping Cape May County pediatric cancer patients and their families.  The Surf Memorial (today on the 30th Street beach in Avalon) and Homecoming Party (tonight at the Windrift from 6pm to 9pm) are the big fund raising events.

    For more information, call (609) 967-0100 or visit:  www.brendansfund.org

  • Mortgage Concerns- a reality check

    We are hearing from the local mortgage reps who actively work in the vacation home market.  The guidelines and programs have certainly changed since the fallout from high-risk loans.  But, they are still lending money, and open for business.

    Back in the “normal” days, loans were typically 80% of the purchase price, and buyers had to show proof of income (imagine!).  The 100% loans based on stated income (often called low-doc or no-doc loans) were a risky business move and are coming back to haunt the lenders.

    If you have a solid credit score, a 10% to 20% down payment, and proof of income (tax return, W-2, profit/loss statement, etc.), the interest rates and loan programs are still favorable.

    Most buyers in our market opt for an interest only product.  The 7/1 or 10/1 ARM’s make sense for many.  There is always the option to pay down the principal if a buyer decides to stay in the property for a longer period of time.  But most have plans to trade up, re-build, or re-finance by the time the 10 year locked in rate time period expires.

    I have excellent contacts in the mortgage business- people I have known for years, and trust.  I will be happy to pass along those names and numbers if you have questions about a current or future loan.  ann@anndelaney.com

  • Livestock on the beach??

    I walk on the beach  each day before work…and frequently see people with dogs.  But a pig?  There was a young man on the 101st Street beach this morning walking his pig!  It was a large, pot bellied pig – on a leash.  I asked the young man holding the leash if he lived here…and he said his family was vacationing from Pennsylvania, and brought along the pig.  I didn’t have the nerve to ask if they were renting with a “pigs permitted” clause in their lease! 

  • How Much for the Sand??

    https://anndelaney.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/marketjuly2007.doc

    The above file is a detailed summary of “land value” in the distinct neighborhoods of Avalon and Stone Harbor.  If you are unable to open the attachment, I will be happy to e-mail you a copy.  Send the request to ann@anndelaney.com

     

     

  • Another Happy 4th

    Although the weather could have been better, the 4th of July week was a success.  We watched the Stone Harbor fireworks from our back deck because of the stormy weather.  By Friday, the weather improved dramatically, and we enjoyed the Avalon fireworks on the beach.  It was a great way for our visitors to end their week.

     

  • 4th of July

    Avalon has an amazing week’s worth of events scheduled:  The Islandman Triathlon is Sunday, 7/1 (fun to watch- Community Hall at 7:30am). There are several beach concerts, a boat parade, a beach movie, and swimming/ field races.  The fireworks in Avalon will be held Friday 7/6 at 9pm.  Send me an e-mail  ann@anndelaney.com to request a copy of the 1 page schedule (e-mailed to you in pdf format).

    The fireworks in Stone Harbor follow an all day family festival at the 80th Street field on Wednesday, 7/4.  Bring your chairs and blanket to save your spot.

    See you there!

  • Thoughts on the Market

    This weekend is the first big rental check in weekend- summer has arrived.  Tenants who love vacationing at the shore are our future buyers.  My expectation is that the sale activity will increase as our visitors discover that they have options within their price range.

    We are surrounded by well maintained homes of every size and shape. But we are actually selling lifestyle, family time, outdoor activities, salt air, and time away from reality. 

    Avalon and Stone Harbor are well respected beach communities. The Seven Mile Beach will continue to be a smart place to own a second home, a rental property, or even live year round!

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