3.5%...WITH NO POINTS! Thirty-year fixed rates are now running at 3.5% for both conforming and jumbo (over $417,000) mortgage loans, down about half a percentage point from a year ago. That makes it a GREAT time to purchase a vacation property while locking in low mortgage costs for the duration of your ownership! Ready to start your search for the perfect vacation home? Please call me!
JULY FOURTH EVENTS of all sorts fill the weekend...see below for a list. From boat parades to concerts to contests of all sorts, there's something for everyone this weekend. And be sure to catch fireworks in Avalon on Sunday evening, July 3rd, and in Stone Harbor Monday evening, July 4th!
Catch Avalon's fireworks Sunday July 3rd and Stone Harbor's Monday, July 4th!
EXPLORE THE SHORE: that's just one of the summer programs coming up at The Wetlands Institute for kids ages 5-13. Visit their website for more information:
Summer Nature Program - Information & Registration
Calendar of Activities and Events - Tours, Aquarium Feedings & More
WHAT'S ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST? Set aside some time for your Summer Bucket List items Whether you want to try parasailing, walk the beach at sunrise, or teach your child to fish, now's the time!
JUNE 23, 2016
MARKET STATS: 87 properties are currently under contract in the local market, including 33 newly written contracts during the month of May. The number of closed sales dropped slightly in May, as did the number of active listings.
More Details - View The Latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report.
OCEAN WATER TEMPERATURES near 70 degrees were recorded this week off Cape May County. That's about average for this time of year, though daily temperatures can vary widely, especially if offshore winds blow warm surface water out to sea, allowing cooler subsurface water to replace it along the beach. Traditional southerly sea breezes help blow warm surface water toward the beach--ensuring a comfortable dip in the surf!
A SAFE BOATING CLASS will be held Saturday, June 25th at the Stone Harbor Yacht Club, from 8am to 4:30pm. Students successfully completing the course will earn an New Jersey Safe Boating Certificate--required for anyone operating a vessel in New Jersey waters. Registration is required for the $55 class--call Ed McGarvey at (609) 703-9688 to register.
THE AVALON HISTORICAL SOCIETY is featuring vintage cameras in a new exhibit at the Avalon History Center, at 215 39th Street. Early 1900's cameras from Kodak, Argus, and Polaroid are on display from 10am-4pm, Tuesday through Sundays, through June.
MEET R2-D2 at the Avalon Library on July 13th! Long-time Avalon resident and Long & Foster friend Bob Ross has built--yes, built!--three versions of R2-D2, of Star Wars fame. Meet Bob and one of his incredible droids at the Avalon Library on July 13th, from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Bob will describe the design and construction of his R2-D2, and treat the crowd to a demonstration!
HERE OVER THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND? See below for a huge list of upcoming events, including a dozen over the July 4th weekend!
JUNE 16, 2016
AVALON'S BEACHES are now ready to go for the summer season after a major sand backpassing project was completed last weekend. 55,000 cubic yards of sand were scraped from the 32nd to 38th Street beaches and moved to north-end beaches to replenish them. Erosion from winter storms had moved the sand southward; the backpassing project returned it to its point of origin. Rather than put the project out for bid, the work was performed by the Avalon Department of Public Works, which rented heavy equipment for the job. A major beachfill project is anticipated prior to the 2017 season.
THE HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE MARITIME FESTIVAL takes place this Saturday & Sunday at 111 N. Central Avenue in North Wildwood. The festival will feature music, food, crafts, historians, and tours of the lighthouse, while celebrating South Jersey's maritime history. The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is still in operation, and its light is visible at night from many areas of Avalon & Stone Harbor.
OTHER MAJOR WEEKEND EVENTS include an Open House at Avalon's Public Library, and Sea Isle City's Skimmer Festival. For something a little different, try a "Full Moon Climb" at the Cape May Lighthouse on Monday evening, June 20th!
$832 PER POUND! That's what a prize-winning 212-pound mako shark was worth in the recent South Jersey Shark Tournament. The mako, caught by a crew of sport fishermen from New York, won $176,414 in prize money! Whether you're looking to catch a big mako shark, or something a bit more modest, seek advice (and bait!) from local tackle shops, including Smuggler's Cove in Stone Harbor, or Moran's Dockside and Avalon Hodge Podge in Avalon.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION, detours, and delays are often part of getting to the Shore on busy summer weekends. But the next time you grumble about road construction slowing your trip, consider the early options for reaching your favorite Island...see below for a look at how everybody got here a hundred years ago!
The way visitors used to get to the Island! This view of 96th Street, looking east, shows an early Stone Harbor Railroad train. Another rail line ran down the middle of Second Avenue (Dune Drive) from Avalon.
3.83 PERCENT! That's the average rate for conforming loans of $417,000 and below. Jumbo loans over $417,000 are a bit less, averaging 3.81% according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. It's a fantastic time to take advantage of low rates, whether purchasing a shore home, or refinancing your primary residence. Whether you're ready to get started with a purchase, or simply need a recommendation on a good mortgage lender, please call me!
NEXT WEEK, watch for our list of July 4th events to enjoy!
JUNE 9, 2016
45,000 CUBIC YARDS of sand have already been moved during Avalon's sand backpassing project, designed to rebuild and protect the borough's north end beaches. The project is nearly finished and will conclude no later than June 10th. A major hydraulic beach fill (dredging) project is anticipated after the 2016 beach season.
RESTAURANT WEEK runs through Sunday, June 12th. Dozens of Island restaurants are participating, and offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials. Visit your favorites, or try out a couple of new places! View List of Restaurant Week Participants & Their Schedules
A pair of ospreys took up residence atop this Stone Harbor home's chimney. When not in the nest, the ospreys spend time perched at the top of a nearby flagpole.
CHELSEA PLACE PARK in Stone Harbor will celebrate a grand reopening on June 17th at 9:30am, after a complete makeover. New slides, swings, and other playground equipment will make the park a favorite among children. Adults will enjoy sitting on a bench in the shade, or a stroll around the walking path. Chelsea Place Park is located between 105th & 106th Streets, between Second & Third Avenues.
AVALON BAY PARK MARINA has been dredged to improve boat access, and is now open to boaters through the summer. Additional areas of the marina and adjacent navigation channel will be dredged in the fall.
THE CAPE MAY-LEWES FERRY fleet is back at full strength as the MV Delaware returns to service after a $3.5 million, five month engine replacement. The Delaware's new engines will cut fuel consumption and emissions by 40%. Grants are expected to pay for future upgrades to the MV New Jersey and the MV Cape Henlopen as well. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry operates up to a dozen round trips across Delaware Bay each day during the height of the season.
THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS on the Island offer nearly everything you'll find during the height of the summer, but without the crowds! The beaches are delightful, the fishing is good, restaurants and shops are open, and the excitement of another summer season is here! Take advantage of a couple of quiet weeks before the peak season (and crowds!) are here!
FROM $199,000 to $10 MILLION, there's something for every budget on Seven Mile Island! Whether you're looking for a getaway condo or a mansion by the sea, let's work together to make it happen! There's still time to complete your purchase and enjoy the summer in your new shore home!
JUNE 2, 2016
GREAT START, GRAY FINISH! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday saw ideal weather for kicking off the summer season, with beachgoers, boaters, pedestrians, and bicyclists all taking advantage of it. Monday brought rain and gray skies which led to the cancellation of parades (but not ceremonies) in both Avalon and Stone Harbor, and sent many home a bit earlier than usual. Despite that, most are reporting a strong weekend and a great start to the season!
A little bit of sunshine after a rain shower led to a double rainbow over the bay!
SEVEN MILE RESTAURANT WEEK runs from June 6th to 12th. Take advantage of specials at dozens of local restaurants before peak summer crowds hit!
View List of Restaurant Week Participants
SLOW DOWN FOR TURTLES! At this time of year diamondback terrapins begin crossing local roads seeking higher ground on which to lay eggs. Give 'em a brake! Roadway mortality is listed as a major threat to the terrapin population. If you are inclined to help a turtle across the road, carefully help them cross in the direction they are already headed, while taking care to ensure your own safety.
LIFEGUARD TRYOUTS: Do you have what it takes to be a lifeguard? If so, and you're looking for summer employment, Avalon and Stone Harbor will each hold lifeguard tryouts on Saturday, June 4th, at 10am. Avalon's will be held on the 32nd Street beach, and Stone Harbor's will be held at the 95th Street beach.
AT THE 95th STREET BEACH a new deck, pergola, and walkway over the dunes were just dedicated last week. Catch some sun, a breeze, take in the ocean view, or read a book on a bench in the shade!
MAY 26, 2016
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND is upon us! The Island is buzzing with activity as homeowners prepare for the season and visitors arrive to kick off the summer season. Avalon & Stone Harbor will observe Memorial Day with parades and ceremonies on Monday. See the event list below for details.
THE AJ MEERWALD, New Jersey's tall ship, is back in the water after wintertime repairs were completed at Yank Marine, including hull repairs and electrical system upgrades. The Meerwald will cruise the waters of New Jersey and New York through the fall. In August, the Meerwald will visit Cape May and Atlantic City for tours and public sails.
SEASON BEACH TAGS are discounted through May 31st in Avalon & Stone Harbor. If you're here over Memorial Day Weekend, purchase your season tags for $22. On June 1st, the cost of a season tag will rise to $27.
Finally! It's time to hang up your shoes and hit the beach!
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BEACH! The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium strives to protect and promote New Jersey's marine and coastal resources. Their "Favorite Beach" contest helps promote awareness of New Jersey's beaches.
Vote For Your Favorite New Jersey Beach Here!
IF DOLPHIN VIDEOS by Nik Pattantyus have amazed you before, check out this news story featuring Nik that appeared on NBC10 in Philadelphia!
Man On Paddleboard Gets Up Close Encounter With Dolphins Off Jersey Shore
SUMMER BUCKET LIST: What's on yours? Make a Summer Bucket List, then set aside some time to make things happen! Whether you want to catch a sunrise on the beach or catch a fish with your grandchild, commit to making those memories this summer!
MAY 19, 2016
MARKET STATS: The latest Long & Foster Market Minute report shows 31 properties sold during April, up from 24 in March. The median sale price was $1,100,000, up 22% over March. For the full Market Minute report, click here: The Long & Foster Market Minute Report (PDF).
For the latest L&F Market Minute report, click above.
THERE'S STILL TIME! If you'd like to purchase your very own shore home and enjoy it for the rest of the summer, there's still time to do just that! Please call or email me to begin your search for the perfect vacation home today!
SAVE A TRIP TO COMCAST IN RIO GRANDE by visiting their temporary customer service trailer in Avalon! The trailer has arrived in the parking lot adjacent to Avalon Community Hall, and will be open about May 20th, through June 18th, Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 7pm. This is a one-time opportunity to take advantage of the Comcast trailer and save a round trip to Comcast's new, permanent location in Rio Grande!
AVALON'S 8TH STREET TENNIS COURTS will soon be resurfaced and repaired. The courts will be powerwashed, prepared, resurfaced, and painted in a U.S. Open blue & green color scheme. When work begins, the courts will close for about a week when a favorable weather window arrives, but no work will occur during the Memorial Day weekend. When the 8th Street courts are not available, those with reservations will be accommodated at the 39th Street courts.
THE OTHER JERSEY SHORE: A National Geographic Wild episode titled "The Other Jersey Shore" and featuring Delaware Bay and horseshoe crabs will air Friday, May 20th at 10:30pm Eastern on Comcast channel 108. The Wetlands Institute's Horseshoe Crab Conservation Program is featured in the episode. View the trailer: United States Of Animals - The Other Jersey Shore.
SEVEN MILE RESTAURANT WEEK returns June 6th-12th. The annual favorite will feature dining specials from dozens of local restaurants. Stay tuned for more details!
"CLICK IT OR TICKET!" Not only is wearing a seatbelt a good idea, it may save you a ticket in Avalon or Stone Harbor during the Seatbelt Mobilization campaign which will take place from May 23rd to June 5th. Avalon, Stone Harbor, and many other towns will participate in the campaign, which seeks to raise the seatbelt usage rate in New Jersey from its current level of 91.36%.
BASKETBALL CAMP / SUMMER BASKETBALL WORKOUTS IN STONE HARBOR: Shore Shot Basketball Camp is proud to announce it’s 2nd annual basketball camp August 1-5 for boys and girls age 8-14. Also, Friday Night “Triple Threat” Skills/Games at the Stone Harbor 82nd St. Rec Center. Great fundamental basketball skill workouts from 5:30-7:30 pm beginning June 10. Check out our website www.shoreshot.net. For 21 years, over 6000 future all stars have improved their skills at Shore Shot Basketball Camps & Workouts. Call 609-233-2765.
MENS BASKETBALL LEAGUE IN STONE HARBOR: Signup today for the Season 2 of the Stone Harbor Mens Basketball League held at 82nd St. in Stone Harbor. Games are Sunday nites with 2 Saturdays beginning July 10. Guaranteed 8 games and playoffs. Men 25 years and older. Call 609-233-2765 to sign up a team or to join.
JUST OVER A WEEK TO MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! Let the summer season begin!
MAY 12, 2016
CAPE MAY COUNTY TOURISM generated a record $6 billion in 2015, up 4% over 2014 according to an Atlantic City Press article. Favorable weather and low gas prices helped fuel tourism last year, which marked the sixth straight year of growth. Tourism in Cape May County supports over 25,000 jobs, more than half the total in Cape May County. Statewide, tourism generated $37 billion in GDP. Most expect 2016 to be another strong year. If Mother Nature cooperates and brings us more beautiful summer weather it should be a great season!
THE WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING arrives in Cape May County on Saturday, May 14th, for 24 hours of birding. Over 100 teams from around the world will participate to identify as many species as possible. A team from The Wetlands Institute will compete in the event. If you'd like to make a pledge or donation to the Wetland's Institute team, please visit:
Wetland's Institute Team - New Jersey Audubon's World Series of Birding.
A colorful sunset over Cape Island Creek, Cape May.
AFTER A $15 MILLION RENOVATION, the Golden Inn is expected to reopen in mid-June, according to a Philadelphia Business Journal report. Icona Resorts purchased the hotel at the end of last year and immediately began renovation work. Initially the resort was expected to reopen in July, but has started taking reservations for June 15th and after.
COMING SOON--TREE TO TREE ADVENTURE PARK! Zip lines, nets, and Tarzan swings will soon challenge every age and ability at the Cape May County Zoo. The new adventure course is set to open this summer. Stay tuned for more details!
RENTAL PROPERTIES--GET 'EM READY! The season is drawing near--make sure your rental property is ready for your first guests! Take some time to review all aspects of your rental property NOW to avoid problems later. Use the general checklist below as a starting point for your property:
-rental license applied for & received
-spring cleaning completed
-water & outside shower turned on
-all utilities turned on
-telephone & cable TV turned on and hooked up
(plan ahead--Comcast no longer has an office in Avalon!)
-internet/WiFi turned on and tested, and password provided to L&F to keep on file
-landscaping, pest control, and weed control service set up
-deck furniture placed outside
-check all appliances for correct operation
-HVAC system serviced & ready
-gas/charcoal grill set up & ready, and propane tank filled
-pool opened & maintenance contract established
-provide enough trash/recycling cans
If you need a recommendation for a contractor or other service provider, please call or email me--but don't wait too long, as the approaching season means most are very busy.
MAY 5, 2016
AVALON'S "BACKPASSING" project is underway, as dump trucks move beach sand from the 33rd-38th Street beaches to replenish north end beaches. Every few moments a dump truck loaded with beach sand moves northward, passed by an empty dump truck moving southward. Work continues seven days a week, subject to the tide cycle. The project is expected to be completed in advance of the summer season, and is currently ahead of schedule. In addition to enhancing protection for north end homes, the newly widened beaches will provide more room for beachgoers to enjoy during the summer.
A pair of dump trucks move along Avalon's beach on a rainy day, as Avalon's sand "backpassing" project continues.
THE BOROUGH OF STONE HARBOR received the Cape May County Annual Conservation Award for its efforts in restoring the gardens in the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, and those around the pump house at 114th Street & Third Avenue. Native plants requiring little water were used, and they'll help meet the needs of species living in and around the area.
SPRINGER'S HOME MADE ice cream is among the top twenty ice cream shops in the nation! A USA Today poll will narrow down the list to the 10 Best. Voting runs through May 23rd at 12 noon. Visit their website see the other candidates, then cast your vote for Springer's!
Cast Your Vote: USA Today 10 Best - 2016 Ice Cream Parlor Nominees
COAST GUARD SHIP TOURS, demonstrations, and trolley tours of Training Center Cape May are all available this weekend as the 2016 Coast Guard Community Festival takes place, Friday, through Sunday. Some activities require tickets, but many do not.
Learn More: 2016 Coast Guard Community Festival
TREAT MOM RIGHT THIS WEEKEND, with some flowers, or perhaps dinner out. Or you can really impress Mom by buying her (and the rest of the family) a place at the shore! Happy Mother's Day!
APRIL 28, 2016
BEACH SWEEPS will be held at 72 locations along the Jersey Shore on Saturday, April 30th, including Avalon, Stone Harbor, and Sea Isle City. Volunteers are always needed to help collect trash from the beach; for more information or to register please visit Clean Ocean Action.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: There's something for every budget in our local real estate market! While multi-million dollar oceanfront and bayfront homes make headlines, even a modest budget will buy you a getaway condo with a great rental history! View Details
Commercial fishing boats line the docks in Cape May Harbor on an April evening.
THE STONE HARBOR BIRD SANCTUARY has seen the return of migratory birds including Black Crown and Yellow Crown Night Herons. Various paths in and around the sanctuary provide amazing views of wildlife and the maritime forest. For more on the sanctuary, the visitor paths, and scheduled tours, visit Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary.
THE CAPE MAY-LEWES FERRY welcomed the return of the MV New Jersey last weekend after dry-dock work took her out of service for unscheduled repairs to her hull. With the New Jersey back in service there are as many as seven daily departures from Cape May, up from just four when the New Jersey was unavailable. The MV Delaware is expected to return to the fleet in mid-May after a scheduled engine replacement, bringing the ferry fleet back to full strength with three vessels.
YANK MARINE, a boatyard in nearby Tuckahoe, will appear in a National Geographic TV series titled "The Yard." The series premiered last week, and Yank is likely to appear in a May episode. The boatyard, founded by John Yank fifty years ago, repairs and maintains commercial vessels from all over the northeast region, including ferries, police, and Coast Guard boats. Yank Marine has recently repaired NY Waterway ferries, as well as the AJ Meerwald, New Jersey's official tall ship.
APRIL 21, 2016
OUR OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND brought good traffic to dozens of homes across the Island last weekend. Thanks to all who visited--it's just one more way Long & Foster goes the extra mile to help sell your property!
81 PROPERTIES ARE UNDER CONTRACT in the local market--meaning 81 families are looking forward to a new shore home! Are you ready? Call or email me to begin your search today! Not quite ready, but want to know more about the market? View Our Latest Market Minute Report.
Click above to read the latest Market Minute report for Avalon & Stone Harbor!
"BACKPASSING" BEACH PROJECT: Avalon expects to begin a "backpassing" project on its beaches no later than April 27th. Excess sand accumulated on the beaches from 32nd to 38th Streets will be moved by truck to the borough's north-end beaches, in order to widen them before the summer season. Up to 50,000 cubic yards of sand could be moved during the project, which the borough hopes to have completed by Memorial Day.
CATCH US ON TV! A new Long & Foster television campaign is in full swing across the Delaware Valley region. Catch our ad on CNBC, ESPN, Fox News, HGTV, and the Golf Channel, or simply click here: Long and Foster - Love Of Home (Vimeo Video).
GO RIDE A BIKE! The Atlantic City Press recently published a list of great places to ride a bicycle while you're in the area. Among those locations listed were traditional favorites, such as Avalon's boardwalk between 21st and 32nd Street (bikes allowed 5am to 10am, May through September) and Stone Harbor's promenade between 80th and 83rd Streets (no restrictions). Sea Isle City's promenade and the area's boardwalks all made the list. For an off-island adventure check out the 24-hour Middle Township bike path, which runs from the Cape May County Zoo to Martin Luther King Recreation Center in Whitesboro. Of course, if you are mindful of vehicular traffic, the Dune Drive/Second Avenue bike lane runs the entire length of Seven Mile Island and provides a delightful ride at any time of day.
ATTENTION RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS! The 2016 summer season is rapidly approaching, and it's time to put your property in "rental ready" condition! Turn on the outside shower, clean up the yard, perform a thorough spring cleaning, and place the deck furniture outside. Take a few moments to make a to-do list, then make the calls to put things in motion. It's especially important that your cable TV and WiFi service be turned on and checked, since Comcast no longer has an office in Avalon. Call and set up your service NOW, and avoid problems when tenants check in!
APRIL 14, 2016
OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND: Long & Foster will host dozens of open houses across the Island this weekend! Whether you're interested in buying or just want to keep tabs on the market, view some beautiful shore homes while you're in town Saturday and Sunday! If you'd like a list of all our open houses, please email or call me, or stop by our office!
PROTECTING DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS is the focus of a bill passed by the New Jersey Assembly. The bill bans the harvesting of the turtles, which are commonly found in waterways in coastal New Jersey. During the late spring many turtles are also found along roadways, as the turtles seek higher ground on which to lay eggs. Turtles are often killed by automobiles as they cross roads on their way to or from their egg laying sites. The bill passed by the Assembly now heads to the New Jersey Senate for consideration. For more on terrapins and their harvest, see this Q&A page from The Wetlands Institute: Bill To Reclassify Terrapins As Non-Game Species.
SNEAK PEEK: Whether you can't wait for your vacation to begin or simply need a mid-week peek at the ocean, Click Here For A Live View Of The Ocean As Well As Avalon's Fishing Pier. From sunrises and sunsets to blue skies to storms, the view changes around the clock. While you're looking, note the extension of the Avalon Fishing Pier that is currently underway, putting the end of the pier two-hundred feet further into the ocean.
PHOTO CONTEST & VINTAGE CAMERAS: The Avalon Historical Society is looking for photographs--old and new! Amateur photographers are invited to submit photos as part of the 13th Annual Photography Contest. Categories for 2016 are: Avalon, Nature, Scenic, and People. Submissions must be made to the Historical Society no later than 2pm on May 31st to be considered for judging. Vintage Avalon photos are also being sought, to be displayed along with vintage camera equipment during the months of May and June. If you have a vintage Avalon photograph you'd like to share, contact the Avalon History Center at (609) 967-0090.
Hobie Cats and other sailing catamarans have been a common site at Stone Harbor's south end--but not this year. See below for an explanation.
HOBIE CATS and other sail craft have long lined the beach at Stone Harbor's southern end--but not this year. Council passed a resolution to refund sail craft storage fees to those who have already paid them. Damage from recent storms has left that area of the beach unsuitable for sail craft. Mayor Suzanne Walters said the borough looked into using other areas of the beach, but that it "will not work this year."
APRIL 7, 2016
LONG & FOSTER'S OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND will take place April 16th & 17th. Enjoy spring weather while viewing some shore homes! Watch for more details next week!
BEACH TAGS will be reciprocal in Avalon & Stone Harbor once again, with each town honoring the other's tags. 2016 tags will cost $6 daily, $12 weekly, or $27 for the season. However, season tags can be purchased in advance for the discounted rate of $22 until May 27th. In Avalon, advance purchases can be made at the tax office on weekdays, or at the beach tag booth adjacent to Community Hall on weekends from 10am to 4pm. In Stone Harbor, tags are available at Borough Hall on weekdays, or from the Beach Tag Office at 95th & the beach on weekends from 9am to 12 noon. You can also complete and mail a form to reserve Stone Harbor tags here: Stone Harbor 2016 Beach Tags.
THE AVALON HOME AND LAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION will host a Community Connections event at Avalon Community Hall on Saturday, April 9th, from 9:30am to noon. At 10am, hear talks on Avalon's Bicycle Safety Initiative, the Avalon Seawatch program, and the county's 911 system. At 11am information tables will be open, featuring a variety of programs.
Tremendous progress has been made on Stone Harbor's new library at 96th Street & Second Avenue!
STONE HARBOR'S NEW LIBRARY is rapidly taking shape. As construction of the building has progressed, the look of the intersection of 96th Street and Second Avenue has been transformed. Construction is on schedule to be completed by October or November.
FREE SEEDLINGS are available to Avalon residents and property owners on Saturday, April 9th, from 9:30am to noon, at Avalon Community Hall, during the Avalon Home and Land Owners Association meeting. Seedlings will come with instructions for storing and planting, but planting within two days of pick up is recommended for best results.
COAST GUARD HELICOPTERS will be making more trips along the beach during the next month, as pilot training occurs for newly assigned pilots. In addition to classes, pilots will typically fly two flights per day for six weeks from Air Station Atlantic City. Two search-and-rescue response crews will also fly operation and training missions.
TEN REASONS You Know You've Spent Your Summers in Avalon! For a fun look at memorable Avalon icons, click here: 10 Reasons You Know You've Spent Your Summers In Avalon.
MARCH 24, 2016
MARKET STATS: The number of active listings in Avalon & Stone Harbor stands at 293, down 17% from a year ago. The average sold-to-list price ratio is 96.1%, up slightly from last year. In the over-$1-million category, the average sale price rose to $1,675,000 in February, up 13% over last year.
View The Latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report
View The Latest LuxInsight Report
HOUSE PORTRAITS are a fantastic way to display your pride of ownership of a seashore property! Lisa Cunningham captures the character of your shore home in her pastels--what a great piece to display in your home or office! Visit Lisa Cunningham Fine Art to check out her work. You can also contact Lisa at lisa@lisacunninghamfineart.com.
13 YEAR OLD SANDERLING! The Wetlands Institute shared this fun fact: last fall a sanderling was spotted at Stone Harbor Point. The bird wore a band around its leg containing a code. After submitting the code, Wetlands staff learned that the sanderling was at least 13.5 years old--the oldest ever found! Wetlands staff point out that shorebirds need to rest and forage for food undisturbed; avoid disturbing birds on the beach and follow signage at all times.
SPRING CLEANUP TIME: If you need to dispose of unwanted bulk household items, take advantage of upcoming bulk pickup dates in Avalon and Stone Harbor. In Avalon bulk items can be placed curbside from April 29th to May 8th (pick up will occur on May 9th.) In Stone Harbor, pick up will occur on Monday, May 16th; items may be placed curbside up to 72 hours prior.
THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of April 4th. Happy Easter to you & your family!
MARCH 17, 2016
AVALON'S BEACH TAG BOOTH will be open on weekends beginning March 25th, from 10am to 4pm. Stop by 30th Street & Avalon Avenue to purchase your tags for the summer!
OCEAN DRIVE MARATHON: The 18th Annual Ocean Drive Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 20th. Runners will begin in Cape May at 9am and proceed north on Ocean Drive to the finish in Sea Isle City. Please be careful driving in the vicinity of participants!
A crane sits on the Avalon Fishing Pier, which is being extended further into the ocean.
FERRY RIDERSHIP UP: The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has reported increases in the number of vehicles and passengers transported during 2015. The number of vehicles carried increased about 4% to 266,149, while the number of passengers carried rose about 5% to 782,241. This month may be the perfect time to try a ferry ride if you've never done it--through March 31st you can book a special discounted fare for your vehicle, driver, and all passengers. Click here for details:
"The More the Ferrier" Special March Fare Promotion
SUMMER FLOUNDER REGULATIONS have been released for the 2016 season, which will open on May 21st. Anglers will be allowed five fish at least 18 inches in length, except for the Delaware Bay, where anglers will be allowed four fish at least 17 inches in length. The season will close on September 25th.
STONE HARBOR'S TAX RATE will remain unchanged based on a budget introduced at a recent council meeting. On April 5th a public meeting will be held featuring an in-depth budget presentation.
IS THIS YOUR YEAR? If you've always dreamed of purchasing a property at the shore, why not make 2016 your year? Interest rates remain low--take advantage of low borrowing costs and good rental returns, and make your dreams come true!
HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY! Whether you're Irish or not, enjoy the day!
BLACK BEAR LACROSSE CAMP has been providing expert instruction and training at camps and clinics throughout the Eastern part of the United States for over a decade. This is accomplished in a fun-filled, exciting atmosphere run by top coaches and college players. View Camp Schedules
MARCH 10, 2016
$43.4 BILLION! That was the total tourism revenue generated in New Jersey in 2015, according to a recent Associated Press article. The figure was up more than 3 percent over the prior year. The shore accounted for almost half of total tourism spending in the state, and was helped by good weather and lower gasoline prices. Hopefully we'll see long stretches of good weather again this year--along with still-low prices at the pump, it ought to mean good things for Avalon & Stone Harbor.
THE STONE HARBOR SHIVER occurs Saturday in Stone Harbor. A recent taste of warm weather has taken the chill out of the air, but the ocean is still plenty cold! The event actually begins Friday evening with a pre-registration party at the Yacht Club featuring food, music, and an auction. Saturday will begin with Kegs 'n Eggs at Fred's Tavern, followed by a parade at noon down 96th Street toward the ocean. An after-party will take place at Fred's. Interested in registering? See the Upcoming Events list below for a link.
AVALON KAYAKERS interested in utilizing Avalon's Kayak Park during the 2016 season should complete a registration form by March 31st. Please click here for details and the registration form:
2016 Avalon Kayak Park Registration Procedures
Taking shape: Stone Harbor's new library, under construction at 96th Street & Second Avenue, is transforming the look of that intersection.
SPRING AHEAD this weekend! Thanks to daylight savings time we get to enjoy an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Don't forget to change your clocks late Saturday night!
ANNUAL SPRING DUNE GRASS PLANTING will occur in Avalon on Saturday, April 16th. Volunteers are asked to meet at Avalon Community Hall at 8:30am for coffee and donuts, and a planting demonstration. At 9am Avalon Borough vehicles will take all volunteers to their planting sites. Lunch will be served at Community Hall at noon, followed by additional planting from 1pm to 3pm, if not completed during the morning session. The borough would like to have a count of participants in advance--please call Sue Keen at (609) 967-5924 or Chuck McDonnell at (609) 967-3066 by April 1st.
MARCH 3, 2016
AVALON'S BOROUGH COUNCIL formally introduced a budget with no tax increase. Council will make a full budget presentation at the March 23rd council meeting. According to Mayor Martin Pagliughi, "Avalon is in a position to continue to pay down debt, finance virtually every capital improvement project without extra borrowing, and improve the level of services provided to our community while not increasing the municipal tax rate." That's certainly good news to all Avalon property owners!
NOW ACCEPTING DISCOVER! Long & Foster now accepts Discover cards, in addition to American Express, Visa, and MasterCard for vacation rentals. It's just one more way we make it convenient to book your vacation through our office!
NEARLY 600 PAIRS of ospreys live throughout New Jersey, according to a survey recently released by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation. The figure is up about 10 percent since 2009, and up dramatically from the estimated 50 pairs that inhabited the state in the 1970s, thanks to environmental efforts. Osprey nests are producing an average of 1.75 chicks per nest, more than enough to sustain the population. The back bays of Avalon and Stone Harbor are home to a high concentration of osprey nests.
The way it was...the Stone Harbor Railroad once connected 96th Street with Cape May Court House. Above, a "railbus" style locomotive crosses the 96th Street Bridge headed into Stone Harbor.
SHOP-A-HOLICS WEEKEND is planned at The Princeton and The Whitebrier from March 3rd to 6th. A variety of Avalon stores will also participate this year, and many will run specials. The annual event will benefit the Play With Jack Foundation, which raises funds to fight cancer in memory of Jack Cremin. For more details on the event click here: Calling All Shop-A-Holics.
REOPENING THIS WEEKEND are the Concord Café, The Pudgie Pelican, and Marabella's Restaurant! With just over two weeks 'til the official start of spring, each week brings a little bit more activity to the Island!
PLAN AHEAD to meet the Easter Bunny! Catch him aboard the Cape May Lewes Ferry on Saturday, March 26th at 9am or 10:30am! Click here for more information: Breakfast With The Easter Bunny. If you'd rather ride the rails with the Easter Bunny that same day, catch him aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines Easter Bunny Express, departing from nearby Tuckahoe. For information click here: The Easter Bunny Express.
FEBRUARY 25, 2016
LONG & FOSTER'S latest LuxInsight report is available for Cape May County. Focusing on properties priced at $1 million and above, the latest LuxInsight report shows the number of active listings has decreased compared to last year, while the number of sales and the median sale price have both increased...good news for the market. To view the full report click here: Long and Foster Luxury Housing Update - Cape May County, NJ.
FRALINGER STRING BAND will lead the pre-plunge parade along 96th Street toward the Stone Harbor Shiver on Saturday, March 12th. Shiver participants will march toward the beach on their way to a "refreshing" dip in the ocean. With any luck there won't be zero degree wind chills like those in Sea Isle City on the day of their Polar Bear Plunge.
This egret was hiding behind foliage while searching for food along Avalon Boulevard late last summer.
ALMOST TIME FOR BOATING! With the start of the boating season just a couple of months away, new boaters should be scheduling a boating safety class in order to obtain a boating license required to legally operate a boat in New Jersey waters. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering two boating safety classes in Cape May on Saturdays March 23rd and April 30th, from 8:30am to 4:30pm, at the US Coast Guard Training Center. The $56 course fee includes lunch. To register for the class, contact Theresa Appenzeller at (609) 898-0442 or tappenzeller@comcast.net.
SOUTH JERSEY GAS will be inspecting and replacing natural gas regulator valves that may have been affected by flood waters to ensure compliance with requirements of the Board of Public Utilities. Precision Pipeline Solutions, an authorized South Jersey Gas Contractor, will perform the inspection / replacement free of charge, in about 60 minutes. To schedule an appointment, please call 1 (844) 277-3111.
NEED PAINTING, REPAIRS, OR OTHER WORK DONE? Plan ahead and get your property ready for the summer season--now is the time to schedule it with your preferred contractor, before the pre-Memorial Day crush hits! If you need a recommendation for a contractor or service provider, please call or email me!
FEBRUARY 18, 2016
MARKET STATS: The latest Long & Foster Market Minute report shows January sales increased compared to last year, as did the median sale price, while the number of listings available and the average number of days on the market both decreased. For the full report click here: The Long and Foster Market Minute Report. The increase in January sales in the local market mirrors an uptick in new home purchase activity nationwide--the Mortgage Bankers Association Builder Application Survey saw a 14% increase in mortgage applications for new homes compared to the previous month. Join the fun--contact me to get started on your shore purchase!
Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report.
EVEN POLAR BEARS would be proud of those who participated in Sea Isle City's annual Polar Bear Plunge last weekend! With the ocean water temperature at 37 degrees, and air temperatures in the 20s with 20mph winds, the wind chill was near zero! In spite of frigid temperatures an enthusiastic crowd lined the beach and plunged into the surf last weekend. Did you miss the chance to take the plunge? You'll have another opportunity at the Stone Harbor Shiver on March 12th--see the event list below for details!
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE reopened to automobile traffic this past weekend. It's a welcome relief for those making the trip to Sea Isle City as it saves a circuitous, 20-minute drive via the mainland.
THE FISHIN' PIER GRILLE, a long-time Avalon favorite, will also be appearing in Stone Harbor this spring as the Fishin' Pier Grille South. The restaurant will be located at 97th Street & Third Avenue.
"OPENING SOON" signs are appearing in the windows of local stores and restaurants as they prepare to reopen. Last weekend's frigid winds and snow gave way to rain and warmer temperatures...Spring can't be far away!
FEBRUARY 11, 2016
WE'RE BACK in our Avalon office after rapid and thorough clean up following the flooding a couple of weeks ago. After a full drying and treating of all areas, new carpeting and fresh paint have our office looking brand new again! Stop by and see us on your next trip to the Island!
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE is scheduled to reopen to vehicular traffic on Friday, February 12th. The rebuilding of the roadway leading to the Avalon side of the bridge is mostly complete. Once the bridge reopens it's expected to remain open, unless temporary lane closures are needed to complete maintenance work.
A brisk wind blows spray off the top of a wave as it makes its way toward the beach.
SUMMER JOB FAIR: Coffee Talk in Stone Harbor will host a Summer Job Fair on Saturday, April 9th from 11am to 3pm, at 299 97th Street. A variety of Stone Harbor businesses will be represented. If you're looking for a summer job of a different sort, perhaps you'd like to work at the Cape May County Zoo? They're looking for seasonal help to assist with summer camps and instruction. Click here for details: Seasonal Help Sought at Cape May County Park and Zoo.
NINE NEW PAIRS of bald eagles have been identified in southern New Jersey, with a total of 161 nesting pairs identified throughout the state. Preferring to live in wooded areas near open water, South Jersey is home to a significant portion of the state's bald eagle population, with more than 40% of bald eagle pairs living near the Delaware Bay shoreline, including Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties. Whether you're bird watching, whale watching, or fishing, Avalon & Stone Harbor are central to the many wildlife-related activities on the Jersey Cape!
FEBRUARY 4, 2016
LONG & FOSTER has been recognized by Lifestory Research as America's Most Trusted Residential Real Estate Brokerage. The findings are based on surveys of more than 15,000 residential home shoppers during 2015. According to Lifestory Research, "trust is critical when consumers judge the merits of a brand or company." Let me demonstrate my commitment to earning your trust--call or email me today!
THE HARBOR THEATER on 96th Street has been sold and is already undergoing renovations. All seating, screens, and projection equipment have been removed, with work to be finished for the summer season. Rumor has it the new theater will serve wine, beer, and pub food, too!
STONE HARBOR WILL PICK UP storm related debris--place items curbside by Sunday, February 7th.
UP BEFORE DAWN? If so you may see five planets and two "bright stars" aligned in the night sky. According to astronomers it's the best chance in 11 years to see Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus, Mercury, as well as the stars Spica and Antares, all aligned in the sky. The next several nights are moonless, making for ideal viewing conditions if skies are clear. However, an unobstructed southeasterly view is required--making the Seven Mile Beach an excellent vantage point.
SHE'S GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL! Alison Mastrangelo, formerly of Seven Mile Island, arrived in San Francisco Sunday to cover Super Bowl 50 for Fox 21 in Colorado Springs, where she's worked as a reporter for a year and a half. Alison graduated from Middle Township High School and Rowan University, and used to work at the Windrift Hotel!
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