 The new 95th Street ocean side deck is set for summer…will be better once the snow melts!
Also new for this season- Avalon and Stone Harbor combined their annual Chamber of Commerce publications to create the  “Seven Mile Beach” 2010 Vacation Guide. Available in local businesses and Chamber offices now.
Strong west winds and sunny skies at the shore. Much of the snow has melted, and today’s warmer temperatures are a hopeful sign of spring!
Cape May County property owners receive a green postcard each year stating the tax assessment for their property. It’s not a new figure each year- unless the owner challenged the assessment or the town was recently re-assessed (Stone Harbor for example).
In years with appreciating values, we didn’t give these figures much thought. However, with the assessments established during the “boom years”, the old values are often out of line with the current market.
Property owners have the right to challenge the assessment through the Cape May County Board of Taxation. Visit the web site for additional information: http://www.capemaycountygov.net/Cit-e-Access/webpage.cfm?TID=5&TPID=439
A few tips: Owners must prove fair market value as of October 1, 2009. Therefore, comparable sales to support value should be between 10/1/08 and 10/1/09. There is a 15% leeway of assessment to fair market value- an appeal of value of 15% or less will not be successful.Â
I am happy to e-mail you comparable sales within the permitted dates for your neighborhood.   Drop me a note ann@anndelaney.com with your request.
Tired of the cold weather and snow? Thinking about summer at the shore is a perfect distraction.
I appreciate the opportunity to help you or your friends find a vacation home in the Avalon/ Stone Harbor area.
ann@anndelaney.com or (609) 967-7950
Op-ti-mism, n: disposition to look on the bright side (Webster’s Dictionary).
A unique example of optimism on 22nd Street in Avalon!
The Avalon slogan takes on a different meaning this winter. The sign at the park/playground on 74th Street is surrounded by snow.
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And in the “are you kidding me?” category- it’s snowing again at the shore. I could see the sun glowing behind the clouds this morning while the wind carried the snow sideways.Â
Only 73 days until Memorial Day weekend, by the way 🙂
Owners of seashore vacation homes may have a different plan for their homes next winter.Â
Many want the flexibility of keeping their homes “up and running” for an occasional weekend visit. But if schedules and weather prevent regular trips, winterizing the property provides peace of mind.    To winterize, a plumber turns the water off at the curb, and uses a compressor to blow air through the pipes. Anti-freeze is poured in the toilets, washer, and dishwasher, and the ice maker line is disconnected. The heat can be turned off, but some owners prefer low heat settings to prevent musty furniture/fabrics.
A whole house turn off valve is helpful, but water is still in the toilets, drains, and bottom of the dishwasher.  The power outages last week meant no heat- and the risk for frozen pipes.
Another alternative is a winter watch service. Property management companies, or individual handyman types inspect the property several times each month- and specifically after a storm. This may not seem necessary when you live less than 2 hours away- but life does not always allow you to drop everything and drive down to the shore.
Unlike the ground hog, I’m glad to see my shadow. More hours of daylight encourage walks on the beach after work.
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Sea shells and snow… an odd combination!
Love,
Mother Nature
Hearing good news from homeowners- water pipes and homes weathered the blizzard(s) just fine. There are still wires down on many blocks- likely cable or phone connections.
Hockey & Real Estate
I work for/with 2 former professional ice hockey players- both originally from “up north”.    The closest I’ve come to watching hockey is the movie Miracle on Ice.
Last night’s Olympic rivalry between Canada and the United States was a required viewing in our office.  And it was a good game, eh??