Day trip to New York City yesterday. Â Sensory over load compared to my normal day to day life (this time of year, the roar of the ocean sounds loud to me!)
We had breakfast at The Plaza Hotel, walked a bit through Central Park, and then down along Fifth Avenue.  Our stop at Rockefeller Plaza included the observation deck of Top of the Rock- amazing views!  Then on to Times Square and the  main purpose of our visit: the show Wicked (so clever and entertaining- loved it!)
Off to a nice start for our first weekend back in the office after the holiday 🙂
P.S. Â My view this morning included the dredge in position off of 8th Street in preparation of the island-wide beach fill project. Â Good news!
1) Renovated stores and restaurants: unfortunately, many were forced to remodel because of Sandy. Â Hoy’s 5 & 10 in Avalon is cleared out in preparation of the necessary repairs. Â Marabella’s in Stone Harbor will have a new look by early spring. Â And of course, Avalon residents anxiously await the re-opening of Wawa!
2) Roadway repairs: the damaged section of Ocean Drive on the Avalon side of the Townsends Inlet Bridge is scheduled to be repaired in March. First Avenue in Stone Harbor- drainage work continues to allow for the eventual removal of the pipes along the beach.
3) Beaches: the island is so fortunate- a beach fill project was scheduled even before Sandy. The dredge is in place, and the dredging company employees are preparing for the arrival of the heavy equipment. Â Damaged dunes will be restored, and our beaches will be in great shape for the 2013 summer season.
4) The Bank of America building on 96th Street and Second Avenue will be demolished to make way for a new Stone Harbor Public Library.
5) The Reeds Hotel & Spa is expected to open this summer. Construction continues daily at 96th Street and Third Avenue.
I enjoyed the New Year’s Eve sunrise (pictured)…and look forward to many more in 2013!
What’s selling in Avalon and Stone Harbor?
A total of 370 properties SOLD on the island last year; with an overall median selling price of $900,000.
Of those sold, 218 were single family homes, ranging from a low of $425,000 (cottage on Bower Court in Stone Harbor), to a high of $6,600,000 (ocean front “tear down” on an over sized lot in Stone Harbor).  The median selling price of all single family homes: $1,312,500.
There were 120 condo/townhouse style units sold, ranging from $179,500 (condo/hotel at the Beachcomber in Avalon), to $1,300,000 (ocean front side by side unit on 28th Street in Avalon).
Trends for 2013? Â New construction continues to be a popular choice. Â And modern updates in existing homes are appreciated (new kitchen, baths, etc.).
If you would like additional information regarding property values in Avalon or Stone Harbor, please let me know.  I appreciate the opportunity to help!
With a few days of bad weather during my time off, I had HOURS to watch HGTV. Â My favorites? Property Brothers and Love It or List It.
So, before I order a Snuggie from a TV commercial…I better get back to work 🙂
Happy New (work) Year!
Year end review.
Thankfully, 2012 was a better year for those of us in the real estate business. Â Sales and summer rentals improved over prior years. And, confidence in our seashore market has definitely returned.
Local retail and restaurant owners seemed pleased with the season; with one pizza shop guy even proclaiming it was his “best summer ever”.
Personally, I was fortunate to juggle a busy work schedule with a few great trips and family time. Â And of course, walk on the beach, kayak, etc. on a regular basis!
Together, we faced the challenge of Sandy. Â A stressful situation that ultimately united all Jersey shore residents and property owners. Â I continue to be overwhelmed by the hardship of so many…yet moved by the stories of kindness. Â How fortunate we are to resume our day to day lives.
So, on to 2013. Â Renewed appreciation for our surroundings…renewed optimism for our island economy…and renewed enthusiasm for the year ahead.
Happy New Year!
It’s so windy that Santa (see my Christmas Eve post) threw himself onto the ground and asked to be relocated inside! Â He will finish the holiday season looking out from the comfort of our front porch 😉
The Lozier family expressed gratitude for the community’s support of the scholarship fund established 5 years ago in memory of their son: race participants, generous sponsors, and volunteers.
And, the rain held off until after the race!
Clarification of Beach Fill Schedule
The dredge will then travel to Fire Island,New York for a replenishment project there. And then return to Stone Harbor for the next phase of the island-wide beach fill.
In Stone Harbor, the beaches from 92nd Street through 114th Streets, and from 119th Street to just south of the 123rd Street beach entrance will receive new sand. Â Both communities will benefit from newly planted dune grass, dune fencing, and restored handicap beach entrances. By contract, the entire project MUST be completed by May 23rd.
In the meantime, public works employees in Stone Harbor are shoring the dunes with piles of sand to avoid further damage.
All good news for our 2013 season!