Observations…

It’s odd to think about all of the changes in our lives since 2020.

The other day, I was talking to the man who regularly picks up dry cleaning on the island (he was dropping off a bed comforter to me at my office).  In the past, the local real estate offices kept him busy with dress shirts, suits, and silk blouses!  I joked that we don’t dress up anymore…and he agreed that it’s changed his business.

Another recent conversation with a friend was about shopping malls. She mentioned that the King of Prussia Mall was deserted last week, and I realized I can’t even remember the last time I was inside a mall.  The “Amazon” effect was being felt before the pandemic, but now on-line shopping is the norm for many.

We live in a contactless society.  Kiosks in Wawa, fast food restaurants and LabCorp.  Self check out options at the Acme, CVS and Home Depot.   I’m guessing the expansion of this technology was boosted by Covid protocols.

So how does this relate to real estate?  Technology allows consumers to easily search for properties, and communicate remotely via text or email for more information.  Yet Zillow does not know the fine details of a particular home and/or location.  That’s why an experienced agent is key 🙂

I have a lifetime of experience of living/working on the island…and I’m here to help!

Thank you for your business and referrals.

ann.delaney@tksir.com

 

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Monday Blues…

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Update- Villa Maria

The new Villa Maria by the Sea retreat home is finished, and almost ready for use by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

111th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ.

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Winter Beach Walks

Rewarded for bundling up for a walk before work this morning!

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Happy 2023!

Yes, 2022 was challenging.  Our real estate market was in a frenzy, and prices likely peaked in June or July.  With the stock market and interest rates traveling in opposite directions by late summer, buyers had to reevaluate their borrowing and buying options.

Thankfully, the market felt more settled by the end of the year, and we expect 2023 will continue with a more normal seashore market.

Looking forward to a productive new year!

2023Sunrise

 

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The REAL Seashore Santa

Originally posted Christmas 2008.  

The blog post and Santa were both updated in 2018!

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Santa– the life size plywood cut out version- has been an important part of Christmas for as long as I can remember.

Santa began his life of service in the early 1960s at my parents’ first house in Avalon.  He was surrounded by big, multi-colored bulbs on the newly planted shrubs.  Inside that modest Golden Home rancher, 4 little girls hung their stockings on a cardboard fireplace with a plug in red bulb that magically turned the metal wheel to create “fire” .

In the 1970s, Santa moved with our family 5 blocks south in Avalon to a larger, 2 story home with a real wood fireplace.  The colorful exterior lights were eventually replaced with more subtle white bulbs, but the spot light literally remained on Santa.

In the off season, Santa hung proudly on the garage wall- watching us all come and go.  Those little girls grew up and moved out, bringing back grandchildren for days on the beach.  In the 1980s, my young sons were fascinated by Santa, and maybe a bit intimidated based on our attempts to use him for improved behavior!

When my parents downsized to a townhouse in the early 1990s, my father asked if I wanted Santa for our home.  Of course, I was thrilled- and Santa didn’t complain as he was forced to leave Avalon and move “off shore”.

Santa loyally followed us on each move- knowing that he would be given a prominent position (with a flood light) at Christmas.   Years later, he gratefully moved back to the island to become a Stone Harbor resident!

Now coasting past his mid-50s, Santa was showing signs of wear (aren’t we all).

For several years, I thought about arranging a touch up, but it just didn’t feel right.   Thankfully, our niece offered her artistic talents - a perfect fit!

So the newly refreshed Santa is back in his designated spot in front of our home- ready to face another 50+ years by the beach 😎

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SantaAnn

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Your Local Expert!

We LIVE here.

We WORK here.

We SELL and RENT properties here.

The full time agents and staff of Tim Kerr Sotheby’s are THE local experts in Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ!

Visit our website to view sale and rental properties: Tim Kerr Sotheby’s website

I have a lifetime of experience on the island; 40+ years in the industry; and 20 years associated with Tim Kerr and his agency.

Thank you for the opportunity to help you and your friends with all of your real estate needs!

ann.delaney@tksir.com

SothebysOffice

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Beach Pictures

Calm wind and warm sun made for a nice walk before work.

And we were able to check on the 95th Street Christmas tree for the status of beach ornaments.  Loved the addition of a bathing suit top!

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Out of Africa!

Back home, and back in work.

Hope you were able to follow along on Twitter- it was an amazing journey!

 

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Twice in a Lifetime :)

FB_IMG_1668550788984In December of 2019, we took a “once in a lifetime” trip to Kenya.  Planning our amazing safari adventure began 2 years prior, and required plenty of preparation.

Vaccinations, malaria pills, and just in case antibiotics were needed.  Clothes were sprayed with Permethrin to repel insects. Lists of foods considered safe to eat were reviewed.

We returned home just before Christmas of that year with exciting stories; and frankly proud of ourselves for staying healthy the entire time by following the guidelines.

And then came 2020…

Of course we worried about infection and illness while traveling in Africa.  Yet never anticipated the fear from Covid just a few months later.

Fast forward to summer of 2021.  After a particularly hectic work day, I scrolled through the web site of our travel company.  The agent was hosting a safari again in 2022!

We decided that our “once in a lifetime” event deserved a repeat.

Visas, passports, meds, and our Covid vaccination cards are ready to go!   Will post pictures on Twitter: @anndelaneybeach

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