 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 🙂
The locals and seasonal residents appreciate the additional dining options on the weekends: Marabella’s in Stone Harbor has been open the past few weekends; The Concord Cafe will be open as of March 27th, and The Windrift (newly renovated) will be open next weekend.  Peeked in the windows of Henny’s- the carpet has been ripped up and the restaurant is empty- heard a rumor last fall that an Avalon restaurant will be moving in this summer.   P.S. Just read a post on Jen Miller’s Blog confirming that Black Fish from Avalon will be moving to the Henny’s location- grand opening on May 8th.
http://thelatestdish.wordpress.com/2009/03/11/chef-chip-roman-to-open-blackfish-stone-harbor/
Open for Business– a sign of spring at the shore!
Not real estate or shore related, just sharing an opinion: watched the HBO movie “Taking Chance” over the weekend. When I am still thinking about a movie a few days later, I know it was worthwhile. Dover, Delaware and Philadelphia are an important part of the storyline- another reason the movie has a strong emotional pull.
 As expected, I saw hundreds of footprints on the sand when I walked after work this afternoon. It was a beautiful weekend for strolling along the beach.  But it’s still a bit chilly for bare feet!
I read a great quote recently: “Spring is the shore’s dirty little secret”.   Our wonderful summer sea breeze is here year round. And while it can be warm and sunny off the island (or even a few blocks off the beach)- you will likely need a jacket (and maybe a hat/gloves) for a walk along the ocean.  The cool, damp sea air is refreshing 🙂
 New for 2009- walking paths through the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary- 2 paths are  in place with access off Third Avenue at 114th Street. Another path will be added on Second Avenue this spring.
 And, check out the view from the new bird watching platform built next to the dunes at Stone Harbor Point (access from the 123rd Street parking lot).  360 degree views of the ocean, inlet, wetlands, and the bay- impressive. Oh…and I guess you can look at the birds, too!
Exceptional weather this weekend- great excuse to visit the shore!
Interesting article in this month’s Philadelphia Magazine regarding real estate in the area. Although not specific to the shore, the information is relevant because the majority of our owners and potential buyers live in the Philadelphia region.
Bottom line: We should not be lumped together with other markets. The conservative financial traits of home owners in our area have allowed us to weather the downturn better.
Read the article on line:
Spring Snow?
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!