For years, I resisted buying a GPS for my car- for obvious reasons: Â I live on a 7 mile long barrier island with numbered streets 😉
But, then again, maybe that explains why I find the device so helpful when I’m out in the “real world”!
A recent family visit in the mountains of North Carolina required a 3 hour drive from the Charlotte Airport- and I welcomed the confident woman’s voice providing instructions along the way.
Glad to be back navigating Dune Drive!
A light mist turned in to a steady drizzle during my beach walk.
Still dreary this morning…hopefully the sun returns later today for our vacationers.
The tents are already in place on the 80th Street field for this weekend’s Arts & Crafts Show.  This is a BIG event…secure your parking spot early!
The summer months are traditionally slow for real estate closings at the shore. That said, 19 sales in Avalon and Stone Harbor NJ were recorded during the past 30 days: 1 commercial space, 8 condo/townhouse units, and 10 single family homes. The overall median selling price was $725,000.
The condo/townhouse units sold ranged from $350,000 for a 2 bedroom condo in Stone Harbor, to $1,350,000 for a newer bay front side by side in Avalon. The median selling price was $627,500.
The single family homes sold ranged from $370,000 for a “court” cottage in Stone Harbor, to $3,350,000 for a beach block home on an over-sized lot in Stone Harbor. The median selling price was $800,000.
In addition, there are 34 properties sale pending, with settlement scheduled in the near future. The median list price of the properties under contract is $1,324,500.
If you, or someone you know is interested in purchasing a property at the shore, I appreciate the opportunity to help! ann@anndelaney.com
Property owners and tenants often ask if there are restrictions regarding construction in the summer months.
In the Borough of Avalon, construction is permitted 7 days a week, between 7am to 7pm. Between May 15th and September 15th, no construction is permitted on Sundays.Â
Today, I saw 2 demolition projects underway, and numerous job sites like the one pictured above. It’s a good sign for our local economy, yet can be frustrating for those in nearby homes.
There is a note on my calendar to pay 3rd quarter property taxes on August 1st. Â
Due to delays with the state, municipal 2011/2012 tax bills have not been mailed. An article in yesterday’s paper mentioned an automatic 25 day grace period (and the the hardship it causes local government waiting for cash flow).
Avalon and Stone Harbor property owners should look for their municipal tax bill in the coming weeks.
P.S.  Our tax bill arrived yesterday; and the grace period for payment is extended to September 9th.
 A unique perspective of the Wetlands Institute– from the calm tidal basins on the south side of Stone Harbor Boulevard.Â
I was able to kayak through this area yesterday, and even spotted an osprey diving in the bay for breakfast. Might have been one of the “Real Ospreys of New Jersey” ?? For more information on the programs/events at the Wetlands:  http://wetlandsinstitute.org/   and to view their special osprey cam: http://wetlandsinstitute.org/education/osprey-camera/
Early morning high tide = opportunity to kayak in the bay before work.
A low mist covered the marsh, and the calm water reflected the sky and homes…very pretty.
Had to keep moving to out run the gnats – the downside of the still air 😉 Worth it to start my day with nice views, exercise, and quick swim!
Excuse the car analogy:Â Â Just because the speedometer CAN go up to 150mph, doesn’t mean it SHOULD.
A thermostat for air-conditioning, and the temperature control dial in the refrigerator follow the same guidelines.
2 common scenarios when tenants arrive to their rental property:
1) The house is warm, so they turn the A/C down to 60 degrees. This method does not work more effectively than setting it at a reasonable 72 degrees.  In fact, if left to run at this setting, ice will form on the condenser, and the unit will completely shut down.
2) The refrigerator door is propped open early Saturday while the departing tenants remove their items, and then again when the cleaners are there to wipe it out. The new tenant arrives with their (warm) food, and then adds even more items after grocery shopping. It doesn’t feel cold enough in the refrigerator, so they turn the dial all the way up.  We receive a call that the refrigerator is warm, but the freezer is cold. Unfortunately, by turning the dial UP, the coils freeze over and stop working. The solution is to turn the dial back to a medium setting and leave the door shut for a few hours. This does not sound logical when explained to a tenant, but an appliance repair man will make the exact same call.  And it works.
I am proud to support the Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund.
Brendan’s Fund is a wonderful, local organization actively providing assistance to pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Schedule of events in August: Crab Cake Day at Sylvester’s 8/15; Artist and Friends Art Show at the Avalon Yacht Club 8/16; Pizza at Circle Pizza 8/17; Pancakes at the Fishing Pier Grill 8/18; Skate Jam at 29th park 8/19; Movie Night 8/19; and 21st Annual Surf Memorial & Homecoming Party 8/20.
For more information:Â www.brendansfund.org
Cooler by a Mile…finally
We can finally turn off the air conditioning and open the windows after WEEKS of high temperatures.
The strong north west breeze =Â cool, dry air.
P.S. A seabreeze as of mid- afternoon…our favorite 🙂
Rays of sunshine peeking out behind the clouds provided a dramatic backdrop over the ocean.
Busy weekend ahead- the Home/Health Show at Avalon Elementary School on Saturday http://www.caperegional.com/ and a Seafood Fest at St. Mary’s Church- 95th and Third Avenue in Stone Harbor (lunch and dinner Saturday).