The view from my kayak this morning as I paddled around the back bay.Â
Saw a Blue Heron in the marsh, and a Snowy Egret on a dock.
Ideal weekend weather for the Arts & Crafts Show. This big event continues today at the 80th Street field.
August 8, 2010
Morning on the Bay
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August 7, 2010
Busy Weekend
A busy weekend requires an early start to my day. This morning’s beach walk was just in time for a beautiful sunrise.
The Arts & Crafts Show has taken over the 80th Street field.  It’s impossible to park anywhere near that area- so look for the Trolley Stop signs and catch a ride!
Perfect weather today- and a major rental change over. The departing tenants will be sad to leave on such a great beach day…and the incoming tenants will be stalking the properties to check in early 😉
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August 6, 2010
Sweet & Sweat
Early morning beach walk was a combination of…
Sweat-  High humidity levels this morning- the drier air hasn’t reached the Seven Mile Beach yet.Â
Sweet- Watched a dad walk along the ocean’s edge with a sleeping baby- the best white noise machine ever!
Have a great weekend!
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August 5, 2010
A Hard Day at the Beach?
Why is the walk home from the beach sooooo much slower than the walk there?Â
Must be the strain of taking down the umbrella, folding up the chair, shaking out the beach towels, etc.  It’s exhausting…
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August 5, 2010
Rental Owner Suggestions
If you own a rental property at the shore, it’s helpful to make at least one personal inspection during the summer season.
The change over cleaning services work hard every Saturday, but they can only do so much. And many items are not in their job description.
For instance, the stones in the yard. Are they all over the sidewalk and curb? Do you need a touch up spray for weeds? Same with the deck- a cleaning service will not typically check the deck for sand or dirt. Is the deck umbrella still in one piece (it’s been a windy summer!). How about the grill? Is there a grill brush nearby to encourage tenants to scrub it down after use?
Inside- check ceiling fans for accumulated dust; and with the recent heat, the air conditioning return vents are likely in need of a good cleaning.
By August, the homes can be a bit “tired”- a disappointment to the prime time tenants when they arrive. The extra effort by owners to keep their property in top condition pays off. Plus, happy tenants = happy rental agents 🙂
Posted in Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate Comments closed
August 3, 2010
Summer Stats
Sales at the Shore: Since May 1st, 45 properties have SOLD (settlement) in Avalon and Stone Harbor, with an additional 41 currently sale pending (settlement in the near future).
Of those SOLD- 1 commercial property, 3 classified as vacant lots, 18 condo/townhouse units, and 23 residential properties. The median selling price was $1,060,000, including a low of $145,000 for a Beachcomber condo (motel) to $5,150,000 for a southend Avalon custom beach block home. 11 were in Stone Harbor; 34 in Avalon.
Of the condo/townhouse sales- the median selling price was $692,000. 10 were townhouse style (2 levels) and 8 were traditional condo style. 3 were in Stone Harbor and 15 in Avalon.
The median asking price for the combined 41 “sale pending” properties is $1,099,000– in line with the median price of those recently settled.
Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Seashore Real Estate, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News Comments closed
August 2, 2010
Big Week in Stone Harbor
‘Barbecue and Blues’! Eat, Drink, Enjoy!
8/4/2010 – Barbecue and Blues is a town-wide celebration sponsored by Stone Harbor Borough and its many civics organizations.  Wednesday August 4th from 4pm – 9pm.  80th and First Ave.  Advance Tickets: $15 Children, $20 Adults. Tickets at Door: $15 Children, $25 Adults. Menu: ‘Pappy’s Pig Roast’ featuring Chicken, Ribs, Sides, and Cornbread Beverages: Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks Sponsored by Chamber of Commerce. Entertainment: Blues Band-Mikey Jr . Music begins at 5pm. Featuring a dunk tank with Special Guests!!
For more information: http://www.stoneharborbeach.com/default.asp
On the weekend, the annual Arts & Crafts Festival takes over the 80th Street field.
Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News Comments closed
August 1, 2010
Sunday Sights
The street adjacent to the Villa Maria Retreat House in Stone Harbor- the only beach block street on the island lined with economy cars. Most have sun shades in the windshields and Immaculata University bumper stickers, too 😉
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July 31, 2010
Last Day of July
My view as I crossed over the beach path early this morning for a walk before work.
July has been HOT- even for us at the shore. Hopefully August will provide the preferred sea breeze and cool nights.
Today and next Saturday are our biggest check in weekends of the summer. The island is very busy!
Posted in Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate Comments closed
Sharing the Sand
Unwritten rules:Â those without sneakers should hang along the water’s edge; large groups may need to pair off to allow oncoming “traffic” to pass; and a friendly hello or smile on your first pass is appropriate (include the beach cleaner on this, too!)