Randy Leiser, Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc., 2997 Dune Drive, PO Box 10, Avalon, NJ 08202
toll-free: 800-967-7796 x212  |  local: 609-967-3001  |  fax: 609-967-3057  |  e-mail: Randy@RandyLeiser.com
2011: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.  

December 22, 2011


U.S. HOME SALES
are up 1.7% through the first eleven months of the year according to the National Association of Realtors, but the Avalon/Stone Harbor market has experienced a marked increase in activity this year versus last year.  Through December 1 of this year, 251 properties have sold versus 199 during the same period last year, a gain of 26.1%.

This year's average sale price was $1,277,299, up 4.6% over last year's average sale price of $1,220,502.  This year's median price was $889,862, down 6.3% from last year's median price of $950,000.
 
In Sea Isle City 180 properties sold through December 1 versus 168 during the same period last year, up 7.1%.  This year's average price was $614,035, down 6.7% from last year's average of $658,687.  This year's median price was $585,000, down 3.3% from last year's median of $605,000.
 
OVER 160 TOYS were donated to Toys for Tots by the Avalon Real Estate Agency family.  Thanks to all who contributed and helped brighten the holiday of a child!

Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots picked up this pile of toys shortly after this picture was taken.  A few days later they picked up a second pile of toys as big as the first!
 
A SMALL BEACH FILL project is being planned in Avalon.  Sand back-passing will replenish the beaches from 18th Street to 24th Street.  Back-passing involves moving sand from one beach to another via excavators and off-road dump trucks.  The "borrow" zone will include the beaches from 60th to 71st Streets.  Due to permitting and piping plover restrictions, the beach work must be completed by March 14, 2012.
 
Sea Isle City is awaiting its own beach fill project via dredging.  A dredge has already arrived in the area and will begin work in January.
 
LOCAL POST OFFICES will remain open despite cutbacks by the Postal Service.  However, post offices in Avalon and Stone Harbor will have their hours cut by one hour per day.  Avalon's post office will close from 1pm to 2pm each day and Stone Harbor's post office will close from noon to 1pm.  The closings offer a way to save money during hours of low usage by the public.
 
COMING DOWN to look at some properties over the holidays?  Please call or email me ahead of time and I'll be ready for you when you arrive!
 
THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of January 2, 2012.
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you & yours!  Warm wishes for a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!  Thank you for a wonderful year--I sincerely appreciate your business and referrals, and look forward to working with you in 2012!

December 15, 2011

SHELTER HAVEN SITE:
Work is expected to begin shortly on the vacant lot at 96th Street and Third Avenue, where a new resort complex is to be constructed.  Minor changes to an earlier plan were approved, and construction could begin in February. 
 
1706 RITTENHOUSE SQUARE:  members of the Avalon Real Estate Agency team were invited to view the stunning condominium units and captivating views of Philadelphia during a private session at 1706 Rittenhouse Square earlier this month.  Unique features of the building include an automated parking system that stores your car when you're finished with it, then delivers it to you when you request it, and full-floor condominium units, with gorgeous city and skyline views in all directions.

The developers of 1706 Rittenhouse Square reached out to our team after noting that so many of their unit owners have vacation homes on Seven Mile Beach.  A handful of units are left, from $4 million and up.  Interested?  Call me and I'll arrange a private showing for you!
 
BEACH TAGS make great stocking stuffers!  Stone Harbor is offering limited edition Holiday Beach Tags good for the 2012 summer season for $21.  Tags must be purchased at Borough Hall Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm.

Avalon also has Holiday Beach Tags good for the 2012 season for $21.  Tags must be purchased at Borough Hall Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm.
 
TOYS FOR TOTS: want to brighten the holiday of a child?  Stop by Avalon Real Estate Agency and drop off a new, unwrapped toy.  We're an official Toys for Tots participant, and we'll see that your toy makes it into the hands of a child who needs one.  Our office has already collected and delivered 79 toys--and 75 more are waiting under the tree in our lobby!
 
I'LL BUY THE BIG RED BOW!  Give your family the ultimate holiday gift this season--a place at the shore!  Whether you're looking for a place to rent for a week or your very own shore home, you'll make your family very happy.  I'll throw in the big red bow!

December 5, 2011

BIG HITS!
  Avalon's Festive Friday and Stone Harbor's Island Holiday were both quite successful, with large crowds enjoying unseasonably warm weather.  Avalon's ice skating rink on Dune Drive was a huge hit, as was Stone Harbor's parade.

Ice skating in Avalon, NJ
Ice skating on Dune Drive!  The skating rink was so popular its operation was extended two hours.
 
WE ALL KNOW tourism is a big part of the economy in Cape May County.  How big?  Tourism accounted for a whopping $5.3 billion in 2010, according to Diane Wieland, director of Cape May County's Department of Tourism.  Tourism spending is broken down into the following categories: accommodations, $2.9 billion; food, $1.1 billion; entertainment, $454 million; retail, $841 million.  Of special note to property owners, "rental income" grew to a record $1.7 billion in 2010.
 
TOYS FOR TOTS: Avalon Real Estate Agency will once again collect Toys for Tots to help brighten the holiday season of less fortunate children.  If you'd like to contribute a new, unwrapped toy, please stop by our office during business hours!
 
SHOP LOCALLY and support your favorite Seven Mile Beach merchants.  Whether you need a box of fudge, holiday gifts and decorations, clothing, or hardware, you'll find it right here on your next visit to the Island.  Visit your favorite merchants the next time you're in town.
 
AVALON'S BIG BAND CONCERT/DANCE series will continue in 2012.  Avalon's Department of Recreation has lined up 12 different bands to perform throughout the 2012 calendar year.  The final 2011 performance will take place Saturday, December 10 at 8pm.  The first 2012 performance will be January 14th.
 
CATCH THE SANTA EXPRESS!  The favorite Cape May Seashore Lines holiday train has returned to nearby Tuckahoe and will run round trips to Richland Village through December 23.  Santa Claus visits with each child on the trip, accompanied by Mrs. Claus and three elves.  The ride aboard 1950s vintage railroad equipment from the Pennsylvania Railroad and Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines is a delight for the whole family.  Visit www.CapeMaySeashoreLines.org for schedule and fare information.

Fire Truck
Truck 6414, my antique fire truck, rolls by during the Stone Harbor Christmas Parade.  On board the truck are my daughter Grace (seated on my mother-in-law's lap), Paul Leiser (standing), my son Paul (standing) and my son Dan (waving from the jump seat).  I'm the big kid driving.