Hat and gloves for me…and a wet suit for the early morning surfer!
Opening Soon…
A welcome “sign of the season”!
Many shops and restaurants are ready for summer 2015, and opening for long weekends.
Happy to see the island return to life 🙂
Renovate/Elevate, or Build New?
Construction code in Avalon and Stone Harbor: “If you improve or reconstruct for more than 50% of the value of your building, you must meet the construction requirements for a new building by elevating your structure so that the elevated floor is one foot above base flood elevation.”Â
The required elevation varies by location – blocks closer to the beach tend to haves a higher elevation than those near the bay.
An elevation certificate is required with a building permit.
Owners of non-conforming structures can weigh the pros/cons of the cost to elevate versus eventually tearing down and building new.
Shore Work Perks
I had to drop off documents to another real estate office, go to the bank, and check a house.  I just “happened” to have walking shoes in my car…allowing for a quick detour to the beach 😉
Beautiful day!
Perspective
Just returned from a vacation on Kiawah Island, SC (near Charleston). Â Like so many Avalon and Stone Harbor visitors, we are repeat tenants. Â Returning to a familiar location is easy- you know the area and can immediate transition to “vacation mode”.
Renting in other beach communities provides an opportunity to experience the business from the other side of the counter…always a worthwhile perspective.
A few observations from this rental:
We selected a condo that had been recently renovated. Â Tenants are naturally drawn to newer amenities and furnishings.
I appreciated that the kitchen supplies were in good shape- no one wants to use a rusty cookie sheet or an old frying pan.
There was a detailed welcome book with local information and services. Â And, a laminated card under each TV remote with instructions, and the Wi-fi log in.
Only a few minor deficiencies: Â No coffee mugs (only the small coffee cups that come with a set of dishes); and no table lamps (over head lighting throughout)- which made reading at night difficult. Â Certainly nothing to ruin the week- but I did share my suggestions with the rental agency.
If I can help with your summer rental in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know!
Life on the Bay
Spend the summer on the water in Stone Harbor NJ!
Move in ready Cape style home with 4 bedrooms, and 2 full baths. Â Lovingly maintained as a summer home by the current owners. Â Spacious bayside living with a wall of sliding glass doors to take advantage of the amazing views! Â Plenty of room to entertain, with a covered deck and an over the water dock.
Click HERE for more details and pictures.
Thank you for your interest and referrals!
Beach Views
Sunday- mild weather for a late afternoon walk after work. Â The salt air smell was amazing, and ice chunks rolled in the waves.
Frozen Ocean
A real “wow” sight as I walked over the dune path this morning! Â A layer of ice and slush coating the ocean. Â Click HERE to watch the video on YouTube.















Wearing of the Green?
Not quite yet. Â The dune grass is still a golden brown. Â Will be turning bright green soon!