Columbus Day Weekend at the shore:Â
The Indian Summer Seafood Festival in Avalon- 30th Street and the beach; from 11 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Live music, family entertainment, and excellent food from local vendors.
In Stone Harbor- The Art & Music Festival all day Saturday and Sunday on 96th Street. Most downtown retail stores will be open all weekend, too.Â
 As a seaside community, we have a limited number of trees. The change of colors in the fall take on a different meaning at the shore.Â
 The wild goldenrod blooms with yellow flowers in October - adding color to the sand dunes. And the back bay marsh grass fades from bright green to a more muted color- eventually turning brown in the winter.
Thankfully, the fading marsh grass is off set with brilliant fall sunsets.
 
 The pumpkins and mums in front of the year round homes look great, too!
 With the tourists gone, the sea gulls have turned “organic”. Instead of potato chips, the birds are feasting on crabs and small fish. Interesting to watch their hunting skills in action- dive bombing in the shallow water and actively searching the water’s edge.Â
http://www.powerplayrealty.com/pages/market-statistics-updated-avalon-stone-harbor-sea-isle-nj
Click on the above link to the Power Play Realty web site to view current market stats.
Quick summary: The overall inventory has increased, as well as days on market. The highest “days on market” month this summer indicates a clearance of old sale listings (most of which had price reductions over their long period on the market). Since January 2008, the percentage between original asking price and final selling price has lowered -from over 25% to a current rate of 17%. This means that sellers have become more realistic about the value of their property- and understand, if listed at the right price, it will sell.Â
Bottom Line: Properties in all price ranges are selling at the shore. Buyers want “value” for their dollar- and will pay a fair price for prime locations.
If you have any questions regarding market values in Avalon or Stone Harbor, I am happy to help: ann@anndelaney.com or 800-682-5940
 Walked just before dark last night. I was admiring the beautiful bright red sky after sunset and the large crescent moon…until a critter crossed the street in my path. Thankfully, it ran behind a house without an official greeting!
The skunks on the island are usually small and could (in the dark) be mistaken for a squirrel. They are common this time of year- maybe because there are fewer humans around to scare them away.Â
So, make some noise as you walk. Sing along to the songs on your iPod…that works for me!
 The seashore weather once again ignored the forecast- a beautiful sunny day for October 1st! Good day to wash windows and decks (the recent storms left behind a salty film). Then, walked along the water’s edge and enjoyed the beach. Not happy about the cooler temperatures arriving later tonight 🙁
    Kayak on the bay at high tide…and then
 
 take a long walk on the beach and watch the dolphins play.
Somehow, appreciating our beautiful surroundings and the simple things in life puts it all in to perspective. Not much else we can do at this point anyway…
 I have been selling real estate in Avalon and Stone Harbor since 1979 (a mere child when I started!) Our market has weathered many volatile cycles…and we will survive this crazy time as well. Frustrating that critical decisions may be based on political motives rather than what’s best for the country.Â
 The wind direction has thankfully switched, giving our battered beaches time to recover from last week’s storm.  The tide reached the dune line in most areas, and the mightly Atlantic Ocean took down some snow fencing (not sure why we call it snow fencing when it’s in the dunes and rarely touched by snow?). I think the missing sand is gathering at the point- that area extends farther south each year.Â
We used to joke that the Avalon and Stone Harbor sand washed down to Wildwood- but their beaches have dramatically changed in recent years. There are tide pools adjacent to the boardwalk, water under some of the amusement piers, and smaller beaches overall.Â
What Do You Do Off Season??
When I meet someone new, and tell them where I live, they often express a mixture of jealousy and empathy. They understand the summer lifestyle, but wonder what I “do” all winter?
For example, yesterday was my day off. I still had to start the laundry, pay bills, clean the house, etc. like everyone else…but I also get to walk on the beach and kayak in the bay 🙂
Sure, January and February are dreary- but that’s typical of most areas in the North East. The sun coming up over the ocean lifts my spirits year round…I am so grateful to live and work along the coast.