Nice weather forecast for the next few days. I’m sure there will be beach walking 😉
Shore Real Estate
Zoning regulations vary in each shore town. In Avalon and Stone Harbor, the majority of dwelling units are in a single family zoned location. This strict zoning results in solid property values and overall lower density.
However, for buyer looking for a traditional “beach duplex”, there are options. Currently, 21 multi-family properties are for sale on the island.  The sale includes the land, and at least 2 living units. In many cases, the property is non-conforming, which means the structure can not be expanded unless it’s converted to a single family use dwelling.
The median price of a 2 family property in Avalon and Stone Harbor is $995,000.  As an example, the duplex pictured above is listed for $850,000 and includes 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths on each floor.
Keep in mind that the lenders view a duplex as an investment property rather than a second home. A larger down payment may be required, along with an adjustable rate loan. Yet for a buyer who would like to spend the summer at the shore, AND collect some rental income, a duplex is ideal.
Please contact me for additional information ann@anndelaney.com or 609-967-7950 office
Thank you for your interest!
Sunday Sights
The over hyped “blizzard” will (thankfully) only produce a few flurries later tonight. Based on the number of cars in town, the weather forecast did not scare property owners and visitors from spending the weekend at the shore.Â
Presidents’ Weekend is the traditional start of our sale and summer rental season. Here’s to a busy 2012!
Wildwood Days
When I was younger, my exposure to Wildwood was somewhat limited. We had the tradition of Easter Sunday on the boardwalk, as well as one or two visits in the summer when relatives were in town.  And, there is the legendary story of the nuns (including my aunt) on the Hunt’s Pier log flume during a thunder storm 😉
I attended Wildwood Catholic High School, where I met and later married my “Wildwood boy”. We continued the Easter tradition with our sons, and added trips to Morey’s water parks.
During the quieter months, we enjoy walking the length the boardwalk; and of course the boardwalk food. A more recent tradition is opening day at Sam’s Pizza (yesterday). Based on the crowds, others have the same tradition.Â
I still can’t say I’m a fan of the crazy atmosphere- it’s sensory overload to me! But I understand the attraction and appreciate that it’s nearby.
Envy or Pity
Over the weekend, I had a conversation with a woman who lived in Stone Harbor year round when she was younger.  She and her siblings are in the process of selling their mother’s home.
Two of her siblings have no interest in spending time at the beach; while the other two are more emotionally attached to life at the shore.
We laughed as we talked about reactions from others once they know you ACTUALLY live on the island. No gray area here - it’s either envy or pity!
If you are reading my blog…my guess is that you are in the “envy” camp 😉
Valentine’s Day
An appropriate time to say “thank you” to my loyal customers.
I value the friendships grown from business relationships. And appreciate the continued support of your referrals and repeat business.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
What’s Selling?
Real estate agents all along the New Jersey coast are optimistic for 2012 after a busy start to the new year.
In Avalon and Stone Harbor, there are currently 37 properties sale pending with settlements scheduled over the next few months.
Breaking down the numbers: 12 of the 37 are condo/townhouse units, ranging from $439,000 (asking price) for a 3 bedroom condo on 79th Street; to $1,350,000 for a large bay front side by side. The median asking price for pending condo/townhouse units is $644,950.
As typical in our market, the majority of pending sales are single family homes (23 in this case). They range from $699,999 for a basic cottage on 31st Street; to $3,295,000 for a bay front home on Flamingo Drive.  The median asking price for pending single family homes is $1,299,000.
Also pending: 1 commercial parcel in Avalon, and 1 duplex in Stone Harbor.
Sellers are realistic and buyers are confident; the right balance as our market continues to recover.
2/14/12 P.S. Setting appointments for a Thursday showing, and 2 of the homes I planned to show are now under contract. Also heard that there were 3 offers on a well priced duplex in Stone Harbor- pushing the final selling price just over asking. So happy to see this activity!
Sunday Sights
 More ice than snow from last night’s storm. Streets are clear, but walkways and decks will be slippery for my sale showings later this morning. Will bundle up and shuffle along!





Dune Grass Planting
I watched the crew yesterday: one man operated a  power tool to dig the holes, while others followed behind with stalks of grass. Very efficient system.
My own personal experience of planting dune grass is a bit different. In the late 1960s, a local man established a plan for regular dune grass plantings in Avalon.  Mr. Fenton Groff lived near the beach in the south end, and understood the value of preserving the dunes.
The students at Avalon Elementary participated…with the lure of free hot dogs! We worked for 3 or 4 hours on Saturday morning, and then returned to the school cafeteria (cold and very sandy) for lunch. No fancy motorized tools way back then- we were armed with shovels and encouraged to aim for a straight line.Â
Like so many events of my childhood, dune grass plantings are a fun memory- and definitely unique to life at the shore!