Interest rates took an unexpected drop last week. Citizen’s Bank and Wells Fargo are quoting rates under 5% for conforming 30 year fixed rate loans. Jumbo loans (those over $417,000) are less than 6%.
Good timing for our fall market!Â
If you need contact information for an area lender, please let me know.
During my walk after work yesterday, I passed another “local” on the beach.
Like me, she grew up on the island, and has lived/worked here her entire life. As we said hello, she commented “Isn’t it beautiful tonight?….this never gets old”. That says it all.
Even though we live at the shore full time, the appreciation for our surroundings doesn’t fade. In fact, I think we value it more as we “mature”!
Glad to see the regulars out on the sand, and glad to share their enthusiasm about our quiet little island at the shore.
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/55144-sevenmile+schools+examine+consolidation+options
An article regarding the ongoing debate to consolidate the 2 elementary schools on the island. The State of New Jersey will eventually force action, so the hope is that the 2 communities can work together to determine a positive solution.
Back in the dark ages (when I attended Avalon Elementary), new families were moving to town and the school population was growing- even prompting an addition to the school in the early 1970’s. Stone Harbor’s class size has always been smaller than Avalon’s- creating social issues for the students.
Now, both schools rely on tuition students to partially fill the classrooms.Â
The Avalon Land and Homeowners Association has scheduled a meeting on October 7th at 7pm in the Avalon Elementary School- looking for public comment.
 A stroll after dinner is now in the dark.
And because the “critters” are active at that time of night, the best place to walk is in the street (the bike path is ideal).
Thankfully there are only a few cars on the road mid-week – so not a safety issue. In fact, wondering if the street lights should have motion detectors so that they only go on when a car or person is passing by?? Think of the energy savings!  😉
 In the fall, the sunsets at the shore are especially beautiful. It can look like huge a fireball over the bay.
For those of us who don’t live on the bay, we walk to find open viewing areas to the western sky.
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 Stone Harbor Point is a great spot- the birding platforms provide an amazing 360 degree view of the ocean, inlet, wetlands, and bay.
During the past 30 days, 23 properties SOLD(settlement) in Avalon and Stone Harbor. The number of settlements each month has remained consistent since late spring…and it’s a huge improvement over our Fall 2008 market!
The selling prices range from $250,000 (for an efficiency condo on on 96th Street) to $5,100,000 (for a custom bay front home on Pelican Drive). The median price was $937,500 for a mix of condo/townhouse units, 2 duplexes, a vacant lot, and single family homes.
All positive signs for an improving real estate market at the shore 🙂
Drop me a note at ann@anndelaney.com if you would like to review the data.
 Sad…to be wearing jeans and a sweatshirt for my walks the past few days.Â
I’ve seen a few hardy souls bundled up in their beach chairs determined to get some sun!
It’s not over yet- I know the temperatures will improve before we officially store our beach gear for the season. I’m counting on it!
Busy weekend in the Wildwoods.Â
The popular Irish Festival takes over several blocks in North Wildwood- ironically, near the bars!
On the boardwalk- the Classic Car Show and Auction. Hundreds of vintage cars on display from North Wildwood down to the Convention Center. The long walk to admire the cars will justify the boardwalk snacks along the way!
Stone Harbor will follow similar guidelines already in place in Avalon- requiring annual inspections/licensing for all rental properties per an article in the Cape May County Herald.
Sunday Sights
Too foggy this morning to take a picture.  Kayaked on the bay- a bit eerie because I really couldn’t see! Figured I would hear a boat coming- plus, boaters are usually smarter than kayakers about going out in the fog 😉
I scared a few ducks (they couldn’t see me either until I was next to them on the water), but otherwise, had the bay to myself.  Very peaceful.
I recently read an interesting article about the distinct odor of the back bay marsh. The smell is actually caused by decay and rot, and people either love it or hate it. We call it the “low tide” smell- but don’t find it offensive- it’s just part of the seashore experience.