Ann Delaney Beach Blog

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  • Tax Assessments

    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. 

    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.

  • Summer Dreams?

    SHLifeguards2Tired 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

  • Optimism

    boatOp-ti-mism, n: disposition to look on the bright side (Webster’s Dictionary).

    A unique example of optimism on 22nd Street in Avalon!

  • Cooler by a Mile…

    CoolerbyMileThe Avalon slogan takes on a different meaning this winter.  The sign at the park/playground on 74th Street is surrounded by snow.

     

     

     

    sunsnowAnd 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. 

    Only 73 days until Memorial Day weekend, by the way  🙂

  • Lessons from the Blizzard

    Owners of seashore vacation homes may have a different plan for their homes next winter. 

    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.

  • Afternoon Shadows

    shadowUnlike the ground hog, I’m glad to see my shadow.  More hours of daylight encourage walks on the beach after work.

     

     

     

     

     

    shellsnowSea shells and snow… an odd combination!

  • Happy Valentine’s Day

    ValentineLove,

    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.

  • Back to the Beach

    BeachSnowFebWe are ready for the holiday weekend.  Roads in Avalon & Stone Harbor are clear and dry.

     

     

     

     

     

    beachFebFacing the warm sun and calm ocean…you can convince yourself that spring will be here soon!

    If you are coming to the shore this weekend, the sidewalks and driveways are covered with snow- wear your boots!

  • Restored Power

    Wawa The Wawa in Stone Harbor brought in a generator last Sunday so they could serve the locals coffee after the blizzard.  They were back on their own power within a day.

    We drove around the island tonight for a better perspective of the electrical repairs.  Saw 2 blocks in the dark:   beach block of 71st Street and mid-block 54th Street.   I believe both of these streets had electric service earlier in the week- not sure of the problem.

    Remaining wires down and damaged poles are causing outages to a few other local homes.

    Otherwise, street lights and year round residences are glowing bright in Avalon and Stone Harbor!

    PROPERTY OWNERS:  It’s important to check your property after the extended power failure (unless the property was completely winterized- water pipes blown out and anti-freeze in the toilets, etc).  Water pipes in an unheated space are susceptible to freezing.

  • Avalon/Stone Harbor Landmarks

    InletsnowThe Avalon inlet.

     

     

     

     

     

    29thsnow29th Street boardwalk.

     

     

     

     

     

    ConcordSnowThe Concord- 78th Street.

     

     

     

     

     

    96thSnow96th Street benches.

     

     

     

     

     

    101stSnow101st Street pavilion.

     

     

     

     

     

    104thBay104th Street bridge.

    A different view of the shore!