| 2012: | Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
April 26, 2012
EXPENSIVE GAS=MORE VISITORS! With high gasoline prices, and even higher airfares, travel experts foresee Americans taking vacations closer to home. That bodes well for the Jersey Shore, which can be reached by a huge segment of the population on just a tankful of gas. After recent increases, the average airfare has reached $362--for just one ticket--so flying a family of five to a vacation destination is quite expensive compared to driving to the Shore. "It has a positive effect on us," said Cape May County Director of Tourism Diane Wieland.
CAST YOUR VOTE for your favorite beach! Whether you prefer Avalon, Stone Harbor, or Sea Isle,
just a few days remain to make your preference known. Visit www.NJTopTenBeaches.org and
vote by April 30th.
BOATERS must have a boat license to operate a vessel in New Jersey. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has announced several upcoming classes for those who want to obtain a boater's license, at locations in Sea Isle, Avalon, Cape May Court House, and Wildwood. Learn More
THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE is now under the leadership of executive director Dr. Lenore Tedesco. At a special event at the Cape May Winery on May 19th from 6pm to 8:30pm, Dr. Tedesco will share her vision for the development of the Wetlands Institute as a center of excellence in research, conservation, and education. Tickets are $50 per person and include hors d'oeuvres and a dinner buffet. To RSVP call 609-368-1211 or email patrice@wetlandsinstitute.org.
April 19, 2012
A SPECIAL MESSAGE...
OUR FRIEND, RICK OGEN: the Avalon Real Estate Agency family is saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Rick Ogen. For nearly three decades Rick was a member of the AREA team, and was liked and respected by both clients and coworkers alike. Rick was also seated on the North Wildwood Council, and a member of the Love Affair Band as both a singer and trumpet player. Rick is survived by his wife of 44 years, Phyllis, his son Rick, daughter Donna, and two granddaughters. Rick will be missed.
THIS WEEK'S NEWS:AVALON IN TOP TEN: Avalon is among the top ten vacation home markets according to a recent Reuter's article. Other top markets included Aspen, CO, and Hilton Head, SC. Reuter's Full Article
TEMPERATURES IN THE 80s had beachgoers hitting the sand earlier this week. In addition to those on the beach, fishermen, joggers, bicyclists, and others enjoyed the warm, sunny weather here on the Island.
A TREE FROM SPACE? That's right, an Eastern white pine that took a ride on the space shuttle as a seed has been planted in Cape May. 36 seeds were aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1997, and orbited the earth 63 times over four days. The seeds covered 1.5 million miles at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour. The tree was planted in Cape May under the supervision of the Shade Tree Commission; several others were planted elsewhere in New Jersey.
April 12, 2012
THE ISLAND IS ALIVE with activity! Easter weekend brought property owners and guests to the Island. Owners could be seen sprucing up homes in preparation for the season, while shops and restaurants reported good business. The activity continues to increase as the season draws near.
FREE AND CLEAR: the Atlantic City Press reports that 36 percent of owner-occupied (non-investment) homes in Cape May County are owned free and clear of mortgages, compared with 27 percent in all of New Jersey and 30 percent nationally. The Press cited the large number of vacation homes used for retirement purposes as a key reason.
HOUSE PORTRAITS: why not hang a custom portrait of your shore home in your office or primary residence? Nothing captures the unique character of a home better! My client, Lisa Cunningham, has assembled an amazing portfolio of artwork, including custom house portraits. Visit Lisa's site and take a look at her work!
Contact Lisa: Website: Lisa Cunningham Fine Art | Phone: (570) 954-9617 | Email: leesat1@aol.com
Capture the character of your shore home with a custom house portrait by Lisa Cunningham!
THE FENCE that appeared along the Garden State Parkway bridge over Great Egg Harbor Bay has been the subject of much discussion since its installation several months ago. The $250,000 fence was erected in the name of improved security, but critics have called it a waste of money, and say it mars the scenic view motorists have as they enter the county. The New Jersey Highway Authority has said the fence could be removed in 2013 as part of the project to rebuild the bridge carrying southbound traffic over the bay, but state Senator Jeff Van Drew wants the fence removed sooner. Van Drew has toured the site with a member of the governor's staff and has pushed for a quick removal of the fence, perhaps even as soon as the beginning of the summer season. Van Drew said "a decision should come within a few weeks."
AVALON BOULEVARD CONSTRUCTION WORK will continue six days per week until its completion around Memorial Day. Work will be suspended for the holiday weekend. The new sewer and water pipes being installed will be operable for Memorial Day. Paving work is now expected to be completed in the fall.
GET READY! With Memorial Day barely six weeks away, it's time to line up your spring projects if you haven't already. Carpet cleaning, landscaping, repairs, painting, plumbing--call your contractor now and get on the schedule. If you need recommendations for reliable service providers, email or call me.
April 5, 2012
THE
AVALON & STONE HARBOR real estate market has seen the strongest first
quarter since 2005! The first three months of the year saw 97 new purchase
contracts written, up from 75 in 2011 and 55 in 2010. Buyers are
coming back to the market! Sellers, take advantage of increased
activity--call me now to list your property!97 new purchase contracts were written
in the first quarter of 2012, up significantly from 2011 and 2010.
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL confirmed that nationwide sales of "vacation homes jumped 7% last year to 502,000, accounting for 11% of all transactions, up from 10% in 2010." According to the Journal it's "the latest evidence that investors and higher-income households are taking advantage of low home prices to scoop up bargains." Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2012.
STONE HARBOR'S LIBRARY will be discussed at two upcoming public meetings. Residents and property owners will have the opportunity to comment on sites being considered for the placement of the new library. The sites being considered include: beachfront between 94th Street and 95th Street (the original location); Seng Place, on 96th Street between First and Second Avenues; Second Avenue lots between 93rd and 94th Streets.
SALTWATER ANGLERS are reminded to register online for New Jersey's free fishing registry. New Jersey created the free registry last year, which complies with federal law, but allows anglers to avoid the $15 fee. Visit www.saltwaterregistry.nj.gov to register or re-register.
GREAT RENTAL OPTIONS remain available for nearly all weeks of the summer! Check my Rental Section, or contact me or MaryAnn at (800) 967-7796 and we'll help you find the perfect place! Don't forget, we accept credit cards for vacation rentals!
REMEMBER WHEN? Remember when Dippy Don's showed cartoons to kids while serving ice cream? Kids often came in their pajamas to watch & eat! This Avalon memory was submitted to us by Maryjane of Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Have a favorite Avalon or Stone Harbor memory? Please share it with us!