The island is returning to life.
More lights are on in my neighborhood. Beach tractors are grooming the sand.
The trees in the business district are blooming.  Lawns are manicured, and flower beds mulched.
Beach tags booths are open. Outside furniture is upright on sun decks.
We are ready!
Lucky to work just 2 blocks from the beach…and have a pair of sneakers in my car 😉
Spotted this morning at the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary:
After a few days of bright sun and moderate temperatures, we are back to chilly rain.
Posting Monday’s sunrise picture to hold me over 😉
This phrase may sound odd, yet it’s often true for residential real estate along the coast.
An older home may be well maintained and charming; but if it doesn’t suit the life style of today’s buyer, the building’s value is minimal.
Our other reality: building codes/elevation.
The federal government is phasing out the subsidies in the flood insurance program.  Homes built prior to 1974 (before elevation codes enforced) are likely to sit lower than required, and if so, cost more to insure.
And if a buyer decides to take on a major renovation project, the municipality will require the home be brought up to code (including elevation).  We are seeing several island properties getting a “lift” – an expensive option, but certainly far less than brand new construction.
If you have any questions regarding market values in Avalon or Stone Harbor NJ, please let me know.
I appreciate the opportunity to help!
Only 40 days until Memorial Day weekend…
The oystercatchers are fun to watch (and hard to photograph!).  I almost always see them in pairs, and they have a distinct squawk as they fly overhead.
For more information: Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey
Press release by the Borough of Avalon:  Click Here
Yes, there will be some inconvenience during the beach restoration project; however the end result will be safe beach access along the north end of our island.
The rising sun, a colorful sky, osprey, a few dolphins, a bright moon…oh, and the beach front homes!
Sand Dollars
Beach walkers naturally take in their surroundings- and there’s always plenty to see.
Because I have sea glass hoarding down to a science 😉  it’s time to diversify with sand dollars.
Found these just in the past week (original condition- not bleached).  Info from Wikipedia- click here.