 The temperatures are still a bit cool, but seeing the calm water at high tide this morning makes me anxious to go kayaking. Our back bays warm up earlier than the ocean (my feet get wet as I launch the boat- but I make every effort not to flip over)- and it should be tolerable by next month.Â
I definitely have spring fever!
I’ve commented on this before- selling real estate on the island for 25+ years, I can’t tell you how many home owners proclaim that their property is located “on the highest part of the island”.  I’ve even heard my husband make the claim when talking with neighbors!
Well, the Borough of Stone Harbor provides supporting data – a color coded brochure mailed to each property owner (and available on their web site):
http://www.stone-harbor.nj.us/elevation.asp
The green sections are the “highest points” in Stone Harbor. Most are along the beach/ dunes, and in the south end past the Bird Sanctuary. The white areas are next, and cover most of the blocks between First and Second Avenues. The blocks between Second and Third Avenues are a mixture of white and yellow elevations. In my experience, the yellow areas will see standing water in the street during a heavy rain storm/high tide combination. The bayside of town is mostly orange, with sections of pink (the lowest elevation). These areas will flood during severe storms. Residents are told to move their cars to avoid salt water damage. Flooding may be limited to the street and just over the sidewalk- but potential buyers in those areas should be aware of the situation.
When you live in a beautiful community surrounded by water, understanding the lay of the land is just part of the deal 🙂
Very exciting to see interest rates drop again. And, essential in our market, “jumbo loans” are at reasonable levels, too.
For loans up to $417,000, I saw published rates of 4.75% for 30 year fixed loans. For loans $417,001 to $750,000, a rate of 5.625% for 30 year fixed (fixed rate jumbo loans were hard to find until recent weeks). For loans over $750,000, and up to $3,000,000, adjustable rates are available under 5%, and fixed rate loans for 6%.
As with any major financial decision, you should work with a reputable and experienced lender. Ask your friends for recommendations, or contact me for suggestions.  A low rate on a web site may not apply to a second home- or there may be hidden points/fees that will dramatically alter the figures. The long time mortgage reps at the shore understand the quirks of our market (high land values, furniture included in sales, summer rentals, etc.)
 Avalon and Stone Harbor beach tags are available for pre-season order through each municipality. Tags are reciprocal between the two towns, and the cost is the same as last year- $19 if purchased prior to May 31st.Â
For more information:
Yes…snow showers on the first day of spring.Â
This is the time of year when we are turning on the outside water…rinsing off the layers of salt from our windows and deck furniture…and looking forward to more time outdoors. I should be more realistic about spring, but the warm sunny days give us so much hope.
 It will be better for the weekend, I’m sure!
 Have you booked your family vacation at the shore?  We have a wide variety of homes and condominiums still available for prime weeks this summer- check out our web site for more information: www.powerplayrealty.com
Or send me your specific request, and I will e-mail a list of  options: ann@anndelaney.com
Thanks for the opportunity to help with your 7 Mile Beach vacation!
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/209/story/429784.html
Article in today’s Atlantic City Press regarding wildlife at the point.  I haven’t seen the snowy owl yet…will keep looking!
 St. Patrick’s Day is a good day to answer that question. My grandparents on my father’s side were both from Ireland- arriving in the United States as young adults.
While raising their family and living in Philadelphia, they spent summer vacations in Stone Harbor (I have a picture in my office of the family in front of one of their rental cottages- my father looks about 8 years old- ironically in a house literally behind my current home).Â
In the late 1950’s, my grandparents built a home in Avalon and moved here full time. My parents followed in 1963 (with babies in tow).  We lived in the high dune area of Avalon- which was a bit more desolate than today.  The beach and the dunes were our backyard play areas!
My grandfather loved the area- I think the ocean and damp weather reminded him of home. After visiting Ireland last spring, I can see the similarities (although no sheep on Ocean Drive…just an occasional turtle).Â
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
 January 1st through today:  49 properties posted as sold or under contract in the Cape May County Multiple Listing Service for Avalon and Stone Harbor.  16 of those are the converted condos at 79th and Dune Drive called Ocean View (selling $350,000 to $400,000 range). The highest price for a sale pending is $5 million. The average is $1,085,000.
Interest rates continue to be in the 5% range for conforming loans; 6% for loans over $417,000.  Just like the “old days”, lenders want to see income to qualify for the loan,  and good credit- what a concept!
If you are interested in purchasing a summer home, send me an e-mail with your wish list.  You might be pleasantly surprised with the options available.
I appreciate the opportunity to help 🙂
2nd Bird Watching Post
The 2nd, smaller platform is harder to find. Two choices: from the 1st platform, follow the crushed shell path west (toward the bridge) and look on your right. This one sits lower and closer to the marsh. Or, for a more interesting walk (at low tide only), follow the path at the end of Third Avenue- south of 122nd Street. The bay side of the point gives you a completely different perspective of the end of the island. The path will bring you around to the 2nd platform, and then you can continue your walk around to the beach side.
Tip- take advantage of the spring weather for the marsh walk. Once the warm weather arrives, so will the bugs 🙂