Grateful for the sand dunes blocking the strong west winds as I walked along the beach!Â
Colder temperatures and maybe some snow?? expected later this week.
Grateful for the sand dunes blocking the strong west winds as I walked along the beach!Â
Colder temperatures and maybe some snow?? expected later this week.
For our summer visitors, this is an incredible site: an empty Wawa parking lot!
The locals appreciate the businesses that tough it out through the slow winter months.Â
For example- the lights are on every night at Nemo’s on 98th and Third Avenue in Stone Harbor. Great pizza and reasonable dinner specials.
P.S. Another year round restaurant was recognized yesterday by the Borough of Avalon. I happened to be in Maggie’s Restaurant for lunch while Mayor Martin Pagliughi presented a plaque to owners Maggie and Dan to commemorate their 20 years in business.  The mayor thanked them for their many contributions to the community over the years.  Congrats!
                                                                                                      I have a strong sense of smell. One of my co-workers swears I was a sniffer dog in a past life.Â
While previewing houses, I find gas leaks, mold, rotted food, etc. Such talent!
My favorite smell? Salt air, of course. There is nothing better. Take a deep breath and immediately feel healthier and more alive.
The east wind carried the salt air smell to my front sidewalk this morning as I retrieved the newspaper.  I hurried through breakfast so that I could walk on the beach before work. Great way to start the day!
Rate sheets e-mailed to me today from several area lenders: 30 year fixed rate for loans less than $417,000 available for 5%.  Jumbo loans (over $417,000) have a slightly higher rate of 5.5%. For loans greater than $750,000, the rate is 5.875%. The adjustable rates are more attractive for the higher loan amounts- 4.75% range.
One company promotes a special 2nd home loan program with just 10% down.
I have good contacts with local representatives for the major mortgage companies if you are considering refinancing or buying new. ann@anndelaney.com
Under construction: the Avalon boardwalk (including the ramp)starting at 32nd Street to just past the Community Hall. The building on the right is the Fishing Pier Grill.Â
I wonder if the feral cats were placed in temporary shelters?? There’s a scary bunch that hang out by the Community Hall parking lot!
I have a picture in my office of an adorable group of young children ;) on the 25th Street beach in Avalon- taken early 1960’s. The boardwalk was in place, but beach access was literally “under the boardwalk”.
That was before dune grass  plantings and feral cats forced us to go up and over!Â
The Borough of Avalon recently added lattice below the boardwalk adjacent to the 28th Street parking area- guessing it’s to stop blowing trash.
Updated market stats for Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Sea Isle City are posted on the Power Play Realty web site:
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/pages/market-statistics-updated-avalon-stone-harbor-sea-isle-nj
There is also a link to a Multiple Listing search for all of Cape May County on the “Sales” page.
Any questions? I appreciate the opportunity to help! ann@anndelaney.com
Important information if you own a condominium along the shore:
Lenders must review and approve the master condominium insurance policies prior to a sale- and the same guidelines apply whether it’s a 2 unit building,  or a 60 unit complex.
According to FHA guidelines, the condominium association is required to maintain Hazard Insurance equal to 100% of the current replacement costs. The condo buyer must obtain an HO-6 Policy for “walls in” coverage.
The master Flood Insurance coverage must be equal to the Hazard Insurance coverage (replacement costs), or up to $250,000 per unit, whichever is less. Â
If the insurance coverage is not adequate, the loan will be denied. It’s in the best interest of a condominium association to conform with industry requirements so that units can be sold- critical to maintaining real estate value.
Check with your insurance agent for additional information.
Weird winter weather…a major thunderstorm tonight at the shore.
On the plus side: the rain is rinsing road salt off our cars and “ocean” salt off our windows!
January Stats
Avalon and Stone Harbor, NJ:Â 12 properties were posted as Under Contract (settlement within the next few months); and an additional 18 homes SOLD (final settlement) during this month .Â
Not bad for a cold January at the shore!