February 14, 2009

Happy Valentine’s Day

By ann

valentine.jpg 

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
February 13, 2009

President’s Weekend at the Shore

By ann

beachview.jpg  A long weekend for many.  The weather should be okay (the predicted snow storm fizzled)- and local stores/restaurants will be open and ready for business.

Great time to search for a summer vacation property to rent or buy! 

Posted in Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate | Comments closed
February 12, 2009

Traffic Conditions

By ann

detour.jpg  Oh, the difficulties of driving at the shore in February.  Detours on Ocean Drive by the 21st Street bridge, Dune Drive at 67th Street, one lane of the 96th Street bridge, and Third Avenue down by the Bird Sanctuary.  It makes for an exhausting commute.  Thank goodness we don’t have to deal with many cars as we weave our way through the island…that would be just too much to handle  😉

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
February 9, 2009

Winter Moon

By ann

fullmoon.jpg  Very pretty (a cell phone camera doesn’t do it justice)- the full moon rising over the calm ocean.  It’s starting to feel like spring- more moderate temperatures, more hours of daylight, and the sound of birds in the morning. 

Posted in Life at the Shore | Comments closed
February 8, 2009

February 8th??

By ann

febbeach.jpg  What a bonus- 55 degree weather in February.  Beautiful on the beach this morning.

walkon.jpg  This is my typical walking attire in the winter- ski jacket with a hood, hat, gloves, and several layers underneath (it slows down my pace, but I have to be warm).  Today, I still wore the goofy hat, but just a fleece jacket and the gloves came off halfway through.

And for those who ask:  No, the year round residents do not wander along the beach all day.  We have jobs and other responsibilities…but we are naturally drawn to the ocean and appreciate our good fortune of living at the shore.  And, yes, I do try to walk on the beach everyday.  It never gets old  🙂

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
February 5, 2009

Come on Down!

By ann

Escape the cold and snow this weekend. 50 degree temperatures are predicted! Take a walk on the beach- breathe in the fresh salt air and feel the warm sun on your face.

We expect to see prospective tenants and buyers around the island all weekend- a real sign of spring at the shore.

thumbsup.jpg  I appreciate your referrals of friends and relatives.  🙂

Posted in Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate | Comments closed
February 3, 2009

Tax Assessments

By ann

Cape May County property owners recently received the annual green postcard stating the current tax assessment for their property. 

If your property is located in Stone Harbor, the data is new for 2009.  Otherwise, it’s likely your assessment is the same as posted last year.  Each town is re-assessed at different times based on requirements from the county tax office.

In average times, we like that our assessment stays the same each year as our property value increases.  Eventually, the town is required by law to reassess to bring the figures up to fair market value.

Unfortunately, in the current market, the higher assessments stand out. 

If you decide to challenge your assessment, you must provide data to support fair market value as of October 1, 2008 (settlements after 10/1/08 will not be considered).

To obtain an application for an appeal, contact the Cape May County Tax Board (609) 465-1030.  Or, call your local tax assessor for more information.

Link to Cape May County Board of Taxation web site:

http://www.co.cape-may.nj.us/cit-e-access/webpage.cfm?TID=5&TPID=2836

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Seashore Real Estate, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
February 3, 2009

Groundhog Day…Beach Version

By ann

sandpiper.jpg  Yes, he saw his shadow, and brought us 50 degree weather and sunshine on Groundhog Day. Today, it’s snowing.  Very unpredictable little bird!

Posted in Activities, Life at the Shore | Comments closed
January 31, 2009

Confidence and Optimism

By ann

Trying to look on the bright side of the doom and gloom news reports. 

High gas prices forced us to re-think our driving habits- saving the environment along with our money.  Eating out less is good for our diets (although “walking” to Springer’s is still okay in my book :) ). Do I really need it?- thinking before spending leads to less waste.  And, we are thankful for things that we may have taken for granted in years past.

I’m still queasy from receiving my year end retirement account report.  And the annual notice of our tax assessment arrived in yesterday’s mail.  The fair market value of local real estate has dropped almost 20% from the peak in 2005- but that looks pretty good compared to the losses in the stock market.  Hey…just trying to see the positive side of things.

Here’s to a brighter tomorrow…the weather sounds just right for a walk on the beach!

Posted in Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate | Comments closed
January 31, 2009

Summer Rentals

By ann

The majority of our summer tenants (and property owners for that matter) live within a 2 to 3 hour driving radius.  We are all experiencing similar cold weather conditions, so thinking about the beach helps us to cope!

Prospective tenants are actively searching on line (and sometimes in person) for their ideal summer vacation house.  After a quiet fall, it’s great to have some business.

The 2009 rental season may be a bit bumpy- and likely, we will have more last minute rental requests than ever before. 

emptybeach.jpg But, I’m confident that the beach will be full!

Posted in Avalon, New Jersey- News, Life at the Shore, Seashore Real Estate, Stone Harbor, New Jersey- News | Comments closed
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