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.  

January 27, 2011

ANOTHER WINTER STORM is passing through the area, but the Island will see mostly rain from this one.  Although inland areas have already seen significant snow, and some areas are expecting up to 12 inches, relatively warm ocean winds will keep Cape May County snow totals to an inch or less.
 
ALMOST 150 NEW LISTINGS have been added to Avalon Real Estate Agency's rental inventory due to our merger with American Eagle Realty.  Check our expanded inventory at www.RandyLeiser.com, or call me or MaryAnn to find the perfect vacation property!
 
SNOW LEOPARDS that were introduced to the public at the Cape May County Zoo in June will become long term residents.  Twin cubs Kaba and Sabu will live permanently in a new $250,000 exhibit at the zoo.  The snow leopards are credited with helping the zoo achieve record attendance figures in August 2010.
 
THE NATION'S OLDEST HOLLY TREE may reside right in Cape May County.  The Shoemaker holly tree is an estimated 300 years old, and can be seen between the northbound and southbound lanes of the Garden State Parkway at the picnic area at mile marker 22.  The route of the Parkway itself was altered during its construction in 1953 so as not to disrupt the tree.  For years the holly tree was decorated with lights for the holidays, but that practice has been stopped so as not to stress or damage the tree. 

The only way to know the tree's exact age would be to cut it down in order to count its growth rings, but it is among the oldest holly trees in the country. 
 
MARKET UPDATE 2010: Information obtained from the Cape May County MLS. View Full Report
 
January 20, 2011

SALTWATER FISHING REGISTRY: New Jersey legislators have passed a bill creating a free saltwater fishing registry, which will allow anglers to avoid a $15 federal fishing fee.  States that do not enact their own registries will have to use the federal registry--and anglers would have to pay the fee.  The NJ bill now resides on Governor Christie's desk, where it awaits his signature.  Data from both the federal and state registries will be used to better manage coastal fisheries.
 
EXPRESS E-ZPASS LANES are coming to the Atlantic City Expressway's Egg Harbor Toll Plaza at mile marker 17.  Construction of the high-speed E-ZPass lanes will begin shortly; expect lane closures during the project, which will conclude in the spring.  The end result will be a faster, easier trip to the shore for those who use the Expressway.
 
TUCKAHOE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS: for those who use Tuckahoe Road--a popular "back way" to and from the Shore--look for improvements along the route.  The bridge over the railroad is being completed now, and the road's intersection with Route 40 has already been upgraded.  Combined with the Expressway improvements noted above, traveling to and from the shore should be a bit easier in 2011.
 
MORTGAGE RATES are still reasonable, with thirty-year fixed rates at about 4.75% for loans up to $417,000.  For jumbo loans over $417,000, rates are at, or just above 5%.
 
PLEASE CALL AHEAD!  Coming down to look at some properties?  This is a great time to do it.  Please call ahead so I can be prepared for your visit!  We'll schedule a convenient time to meet, and then I'll gather keys, property information, and set up showing appointments for whatever you'd like to see.
 
RENTALS ARE UP!  Our 2011 rentals are up by 38% over last year.  Owners, get your rates to me if you haven't already.  Tenants, call or email me to get started on your vacation plans, or visit www.RandyLeiser.com to search for the perfect rental property.
 
January 13, 2011

AVALON'S BOARDWALK will be closed beginning next week for repairs.  A section of boardwalk between 22nd and 24th Streets will be rebuilt over the next few months, with a spring completion planned.  If the weather cooperates, the last block of boardwalk between 21st and 22nd Streets will also be replaced.
 
EXPERIMENTAL IRRIGATION METHODS will be utilized in Avalon.  Three traffic islands along Dune Drive will be monitored for water usage.  One island will use the current irrigation system, the second will use an under-soil drip system, and the third will use a smart, weather-sensitive system.  All three islands will be planted with new sod and monitored for water usage during the spring and summer seasons.
 
E-WASTE, or electronic waste, must now be recycled in New Jersey, rather than being put out for regular trash collection.  Manufacturers will fund the collection of old TVs, computers, and monitors, though the items may have to be taken to collection centers.  Stay tuned for information on local collection procedures.
 
"DEEP DISCOUNTS, cash purchases, and buyer's rising stock portfolios" are driving vacation home purchases, according to the Wall Street Journal (Jan. 10, 2011).  Add very reasonable mortgage rates to the mix and it may be an opportune time to buy.  The National Association of Realtors says that one in ten home purchases is a second home.
 
ANOTHER DAY, another couple inches of snow.  Yes, we got more of the white stuff this week--something that we're all getting used to.  The good news?  It's just over four months till Memorial Day!

January 6, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Wishing you & yours the very best for 2011!
 
MORE THAN A FOOT OF SNOW fell on the Island the day after Christmas.  The streets have been clear for some time, though many snow piles remain.
 
HELPING NEW YORK CITY:  Avalon Rescue Squad EMTs Jonathan Schwartz and Seth Schoenfeld volunteered to drive an Avalon ambulance to New York City to help with numerous rescue calls as the city struggled to deal with enormous amounts of snow.  After arriving in Manhattan, the Avalon ambulance was diverted to Brooklyn.  The Avalon EMTs worked a 12 hour shift with an FDNY paramedic on board.  Nearby Upper Township also sent an ambulance crew to assist New York City.
 
TO DO LIST:  make your "to do" list now, and call contractors or vendors this month, while they are not terribly busy.  Need some painting work done?  Need your carpets cleaned?  Ready for new furniture?  Get things going now.  Don't wait 'til April or May when contractors and vendors are jammed up.  As always, if you need a recommendation for a service provider, call or email me.
 
AVALON REASSESSMENT:  preliminary tax bills have been mailed to Avalon property owners after the borough conducted an in-house reassessment.  Final tax bills will received by February 1st.  The deadline to appeal your assessment will be May 1st.
   
GREAT BUY!  See the second new listing below for a great buy on a Cambridge Green townhouse in Avalon!  Photos have not been supplied to the MLS yet, but anyone familiar with Avalon knows that this is a great buy for a three bedroom, two bath townhouse with a pool.