Ann Delaney Beach Blog

Blog

  • Time to Buy Yet?

    December is a challenging month in the seashore real estate market.  Traveling to Avalon and Stone Harbor to see homes often conflicts with family events and holiday shopping.

    So why look now?  Interest rates have fallen below 6%; there are a variety of properties to see; and sellers are more reaslistic. 

    Another possitive indicator: a few builders are back in the market purchasing in prime locations for future projects.

    We are not unrealisitic.  The down turn in the early 1990’s caused our prices to remain level for several years. But a vacation home at the beach is not your typical “investment”- the personal use has huge value.  And, history assures us that we will once again see tremendous property appreciation along the coast.

    I’m here when you are ready! 

    ann@anndelaney.com

  • Altitude is for the Birds

    I live at sea level, happily breathing in moist salt air year round.  In order to visit our youngest son, we have to fly to Denver (elevation 5600), and then drive up a mountain pass to Winter Park (elevation 9000).  That’s almost 2 miles straight up from the beach!

    I had never heard of altitude sickness before 1st traveling to Colorado- not a common problem along the east coast.  But I now know more about it than most…because it’s an issue each time I visit.

    Not sure why people actually live in this environment- no ocean nearby, the temperature is below zero on a regular basis, you need a hat and gloves even in the summer, and the humidity level is so low (the famous “dry cold”) that your nose bleeds and skin peels.

    The scenery is beautiful, and the sun shines more there than here…yet, it’s still hard for me to understand the appeal.

    But, Colorado is the home of our son and his family (including our new grandson- just 3 weeks old), so I am determined to find a solution.

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  • It’s a small world…

    While waiting at the gate at CDG/Paris Airport for a flight home, I started talking with 2 women about our experiences during our vacation in France.  Ironically, the one woman’s daughter owns a home in Avalon, and we have mutual friends.  So funny…

    It seems like everywhere I travel, I see someone that I know, or meet someone with a connection to Avalon or Stone Harbor.  Our small 7 mile island has an expansive adoring audience!

  • Home Exchange/ Travel

    http://www.homeexchange.com/       If you enjoy traveling, and prefer to stay in a home rather than a hotel, you will find this web site interesting.

    It’s a great concept- especially for those of us with a house at the shore.

    The key is to find “like minded” exchangers.  I am fussy (okay, obsessive) about my home- and thankfully, there are other owners out there who live in interesting places and appreciate that quirk!

    My husband and I just completed our first exchange- with 5 additional trips planned over the next 2 years.  We are traveling to locations from our wish list, and a few others that weren’t even on our radar until a request arrived.

    An exciting way to see the world!

  • Ann = Nan!

    I understand I am allowed this one pass to brag.  Our son and daughter in law welcomed their baby boy to the world this afternoon!  8 lbs, 6 oz, and 22 inches “tall”. They live in Colorado- so we have to survive on pictures and phone calls for now…until our planned visit in 2 weeks (it will seem like forever!)

    “Nan and Poppy” are thrilled to enter this new phase of our lives.

    jennybaby1.jpg      Jenny and baby!

  • 2008 Rental Season

    Our repeat tenants are anxious to confirm their plans for next summer, and we are hearing from new tenants just starting their search.  The search on our web site only displays properties if the owner has confirmed rates and availability for 2008.  If you own a local rental property and would like to offer it through Power Play Realty, please let me know.  Your business is appreciated.

    If you are a prospective tenant, send me an e-mail with your requirements.  I will send you links (pictures/information) for properties that match your request.  The dreary weather is coming and a planned beach vacation will definitely help you cope!

    ann@anndelaney.com  or 800-682-5940

  • Mother Nature

    It’s so frightening to watch the news reports about the wild fires in the San Diego, California area.  We were out there just 1 week ago, so the images are very familiar. Heartbreaking…

    Every location has its share of natural events: hurricanes, mud slides, wild fires, earth quakes, tornados, floods, blizzards, etc.  For each beautiful area in the country, there is an associated weather issue. We prefer to focus on positive side, and hopefully, are smart when dealing with the reality of Mother Nature.

  • East Coast vs. West Coast

    Just returned from a week’s vacation in the San Diego area.  We are so fortunate to live by the beach, and naturally make comparisons as we travel to other coastal communities. Southern California wins on the weather- low humidity and comfortable, sunny days almost year round. 

    But as I looked up from the rocky beach to the homes hanging on the edge of the cliffs- with obvious erosion below- I thought about the successful efforts by Avalon and Stone Harbor to maintain the environment while respecting property rights.  The controversy about the construction in the dunes seems minor when compared with the development issues on the west coast. 

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  • Prices and Percentages

    I follow a segment of the Florida market, and have watched values drop 20% from the height in 2005.  The property that I own was purchased in 2001, and even with the decline, has increased in value an average of 10% per year- so still a good investment.  Plus, the intangible benefit of personal use.

    We have experienced a similar trend at the Jersey Shore.  The peak of our market was late 2004 through 2005.  Values have dropped an average of 20% from the peak- with exceptions for unique locations.  New construction remains the most popular real estate in our market, and has maintained a stronger position- down just 10%.

    Future?  I am confident in my Florida location because it’s located in a “name brand” community.  I feel the same about my year round home here on the island.  Both are popular areas and will continue to attract interested buyers who want to own in beautiful locations!

  • Gossip from the Shore

    The Avalon Sunoco Gas Station is closed.  The repair crew is relocating to the end of Avalon Blvd.  The 220′ X 110′ parcel is owned by Sun Oil.  Not certain of their plans for the site.

    Henny’s Restaurant is closing, too. The liquor license was sold to the owner of the Shelter Haven project (corner of 96th and Third Avenue).  Best guess is that Henny’s will be torn down and replaced with retail shops on the lower level, with residential condos above.  The Shelter Haven parcel has been vacant for many years- so it will be a step forward to see it improved.

    The restaurant addition next to Fred’s Liquor Store is still in limbo.  We were looking forward to another quality eating establishment along 96th Street- maybe next year.