Several shop owners mentioned how pleased they were with the Thanksgiving weekend.
Business was booming islandwide!
The downtown streets are attractively decorated to boost your holiday mood.
Several restaurants remain open (some for long weekends).
And be sure to stroll around after 5pm to see the lights- it’s really beautiful!
There are 4 alley way streets in Stone Harbor, commonly referred to as “the Courts”.
Bower Court, Weber Court, and Stone Court are located between 108th and 111th Streets; and Linden Lane is situated between 84th and 85th Streets.
Charming bungalows line the streets, all built on parcels only slightly larger than the structures.
WAY back in the day, my father’s family rented the summer cottage at C-19 Weber Court:  (click here for the past blog post). Â
When the proposed zoning changes were discussed in July, I wrote the following letter to the Mayor and Borough Council:
Hello all. Thank you for considering my thoughts regarding the proposed ordinance change for Court properties.
After you finish up your turkey dinner…it’s time for Christmas 😉
There’s a full schedule of events in Avalon and Stone Harbor for the holiday weekend:
Avalon Chamber of Commerce: Â Â https://www.visitavalonnj.com/thanksgiving-weekend-2021
Stone Harbor Chamber of Commerce: Â https://stoneharborchamber.com/events
The highlight of the weekend is the parade on Saturday night (starting at 6:30pm on 108th and Third Avenue, heading north to 96th Street).
Stop by our Avalon office on Friday 11/26- we will be handing out t-shirts from the 2021 TK Charities events!
Last week, we traveled to the mountains of North Carolina, and then over to the beach in South Carolina to hang out with our grandsons and their parents â¤ï¸
Do you see the pumpkin face??
As we slowly merge back on to the travel lane, I find that many of us are looking for the “comfort food” equivalent for our vacations.
A familiar setting with positive past experiences feels less stressful.
This common outlook certainly explains the boom with our 2022 summer rentals!
Hanging out at the beach with family/friends is easy and relatively low key.
In January, my sisters and I will fly to Naples, Florida to celebrate milestone birthdays. Â We will return to the neighborhood where we rented homes in the past, spend our days at the same nearby beach, and visit all of our favorite restaurants. Â Nothing fancy or super adventurous…which sounds perfect to me right now!
Monarch butterflies…Goldenrod blooming in the dunes…marsh grass turning yellow…all very shore specific signs of fall!
This information is relevant with anticipated changes to the federal flood insurance program. Â Homes currently “grandfathered” because they met the elevation code when built in the 80s and 90s, may now be rated differently.
 Post from February 2020:
The regulations regarding elevation play a major role with an owner’s plan to either renovate or build new.
A Flood Elevation Certificate is needed to determine the official elevation of both the land and the first floor living area. Â For example, “curb” elevations on the island range from 5 feet above sea level to just over 12 feet. Â Â The island may seem flat, but the subtle inclines exist!
Obviously a home with a lower curb elevation will need to be higher off the ground to meet code.
Now back to the charming beach cottages. Â A lender will require flood insurance which is calcuated on the elevation. Â If the home meets code, the annual premium will be approximately $900. Â If the structure sits too low, the premium could be as high as $5500.
When a major renovation is planned, the municipality will require the structure to be brought up to code.
At this point, a property owner can compare the cost of lifting/renovating their home, or building new.
If the lot is undersized and/or the structure is larger than would be permitted today, lifting may be the best option to retain livable square footage.
If you have any questions regarding local real estate, I am here to help! Â 609-967-7950
With the quiet months of fall, I’m more likely to overhear conversations between neighbors, and people chatting as they walk by the office.
A few recent exchanges that stand out:
“I’ve heard that the wind just blows like crazy all winter.” Â TRUE
“We are here full time…well of course, not in the winter.” Â Â HUH ??
“Our porch furniture and grill should be fine out on the deck.” Â SEE WIND COMMENT
“It’s too early to winterize the outside shower. Â We will be back down next month.” IT GETS COLD IN NOVEMBER
Even with the picture perfect weather, it’s time to plan for the cold months ahead!
My annual post:
A check list for shore owners:
1) Disconnect the garden hose and turn off/drain any faucets that aren’t frost proof (most faucets on decks are NOT frost proof). Turn off and drain the outside shower (often overlooked and those pipes are the first to freeze and break).
2) Close the foundation vents and secure the crawl space door (the newer Smart vents will close automatically).
3) Secure/store trash cans, deck furniture, kayaks, grills, flags, etc.
4) Unless you completely winterize the house (drain the water), turn on the heat to 55- 60 degrees. Â The upper floors can be set slightly lower, but not below 50 degrees. Â A whole house water shut off valve is an extra level of protection against frozen pipes in the event of a power failure.
5) Open the cabinet doors below all sinks to allow heated air to circulate around the pipes.
6) Lock all windows (especially casement style that open with a crank handle) and sliding glass doors. Strong winds can vibrate a door or window open!
7) Unplug small appliances.
8) Check the kitchen sink for any random food items left in the garbage disposal – run with ice cubes or a piece of lemon.
9) Empty and turn off the ice maker if you won’t be using the house for an extended period of time.
10) Open the lid on the washer and prop open the door to the dishwasher to avoid musty odors.
And ideally, hire a winter watch service for peace of mind. Â I am happy to recommend someone if needed.
2021 to 2022
Does anyone else hesitate when writing the date?
Wasn’t it JUST 2000, and we were uncertain of the correct pronunciation? Â Two Thousand; two thousand and one, etc.
And are we finally comfortable using the abbreviated version: Â Twenty, twenty one? Â It only took me 20 years to adapt 😉
With the transition to 2022, I’ve been thinking about major events that pushed me to change.
Not long after 9/11, I realized that the agency and the management position I held were no longer a good fit. Â I missed the “sales” part of real estate, and needed a different office environment.
I’m grateful that I could join my friends one block away. Now 19 years and counting, working at Tim Kerr Sotheby’s (with occasional visits from little helpers!)
For the past 2 years, all of us have navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic. Â A rental condo that we purchased in 2019 has become a safe escape with my new “work from home” skills. Â I doubt we would be spending as much time there under ordinary circumstances. Â I’m grateful for the change of perspective.
For 2022, I will continue to look for the positive experiences that shape our lives.
Wishing you the same…