2013: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.  


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
December 19, 2013

MORTGAGE NOTES:
Despite a recent increase, interest rates remain very reasonable in a historical context, with thirty-year fixed rates running about 4.5%. New "qualified mortgage" lending guidelines will go into effect in 2014, including greater scrutiny of borrowers and their ability to repay loans. Many mortgage lenders tightened their review of borrowers long ago, as they began anticipating the new rules. Also, many lenders will continue to offer "portfolio" loans for strong borrowers whose loans don't fit the "qualified mortgage" guidelines, but whose loans still make sense. Whether you're buying or refinancing, please call or email me for the names of reliable mortgage lenders!
 
SNOW AND COLD WEATHER have already visited the Island, but will give way to a brief warm up this weekend. Temperatures are expected to rise into the sixties Saturday and Sunday, before dipping again next week. While the mini-warm up might be enjoyable, the ocean water temperature remains a very chilly 45 degrees.
 
A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES: Want to give your family an unforgettable gift? Their very own shore home will result in family memories that last a lifetime! Call or email me and I'll begin the search for your perfect shore retreat!
 
SANTA VISITS: The Avalon Fire Department escorted Santa through town the evening of Wednesday, December 18th. Stone Harbor Fire Company will be hosting Santa at the Stone Harbor Elementary School Thursday, December 19th at 6pm.
 
Avalon Beach Patrol Christmas Lights
An Avalon Beach Patrol boat navigates a sea of Christmas lights along Dune Drive!
  
Stone Harbor's 96th Street Holiday Lights
Stone Harbor's 96th Street is decked out for the holidays!
 
THANK YOU for your business and referrals in 2013; I sincerely appreciate it!
 
FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy,
prosperous 2014.
 
THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of January 6th, 2014.

December 12, 2013

VISIT THE JERSEY SHORE IN 2014
, says the Huffington Post. The Jersey Shore was named one of the top ten U.S. destinations to visit in 2014, with Huffington Post citing beaches, dunes, fishing, and shopping as some of the reasons. Also making the list were Yosemite National Park, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Lana'i, Hawaii. If you don't already have your vacation booked, or you're considering buying your very own shore retreat, please call me at (800) 967-7796 x212.
 
STONE HARBOR COUNCIL has approved a conceptual plan for "Stone Harbor Freedom Park," to be located at 96th Street and Seng Place (near the firehouse.) A focal point of the new park will be a section of I-beam from the site of the World Trade Center. The park will be across the street from the new library, which will be built on the former bank site that was recently cleared.
 
OH, THOSE LIGHTS! If you're on the Island during the holidays, be sure to stop by the business districts in Avalon and Stone Harbor for amazing light displays. Lights line Dune Drive for the length of the business district, and the same is true along 96th Street.  It's a mesmerizing sight. While you're in town visit a local restaurant or merchant to pick up a gift for that special someone.
 
MORE "SHORE" GIFTS: For those who would like to give a little slice of the shore as a holiday gift, consider "adopting" a diamondback terrapin or horseshoe crab! By contributing as little as $10 to the Wetlands Institute you can adopt a hatchling turtle or clutch of horseshoe crab eggs! Higher contribution levels are available too.  Learn More
 
TOYS FOR TOTS: Thanks to all the Long & Foster friends who contributed to our Toys for Tots campaign. We've assembled quite an array of toys beneath our tree! The toys will be collected by Toys for Tots, brightening the holiday of children who might otherwise not receive gifts. If you'd like to make a donation there's still time! Stop by our office by December 20th to drop off a new, unwrapped toy. Toys for Tots informed us there's a great need for toys for kids ages 4 through 12.
 
Toys For Tots
The Toys for Tots box in our office overflows with toys!
 
SANTA RIDES THE RAILS this holiday season aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines "Santa Express". Enjoy a ride aboard historic passenger equipment pulled by vintage diesel locomotives running between nearby Tuckahoe and Richland Village. You'll enjoy watching South Jersey scenery pass by out the window, but the kids will have their eyes focused on Santa, who will visit with all the kids aboard the train. Trains run on Saturdays and Sundays, December 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd, as well as the evenings of Thursday, December 12th and 19th, Tuesday, December 17th, and Monday, December 23rd. Trains do sell out so get your tickets early.  It's a ride to remember!
 
Read More About The Santa Express
 
Cape May Seashore Lines "Santa Express"
Polar Express? No, it's the Cape May Seashore Lines "Santa Express" at Tuckahoe Station!

December 5, 2013

AVERAGE SALE PRICES
increased slightly in the third quarter of 2013, while the number of units sold in Avalon & Stone Harbor was virtually even with the third quarter of last year. CLICK HERE for a comprehensive report on Cape May County's real estate market during the third quarter.
 
IT'S ALWAYS A BIG HIT, and this year was no exception! Thanksgiving weekend saw the Island buzzing with visitors and activities, as both Avalon and Stone Harbor kicked off the holiday season. From iceless ice skating and tree lightings to visits with Santa and Saturday night's Christmas Parade, a good time was had by all! If you missed the parade, watch this video, recorded by a parade watcher on 96th Street! Truck 6414, my 1971 American LaFrance, appears at 10:20. Thanks to all who waved to us!  
View Parade Video

THE M/V CAPE MAY is being dismantled and sold for scrap, as reported in the Atlantic City Press. The "Cape May" carried vehicles and passengers for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for more than twenty years, having been built in 1985 and renovated in 1998. Despite being the newest hull in the fleet it was too costly to operate, and sat idle in recent years. Various items from the ferry are available for purchase. Visit WWW.GOODBUYFERRY.COM to view a variety of items for sale.
 
A RARE SNOW OWL was photographed at Stone Harbor Point, and CAN BE SEEN HERE. Lenore Tedesco, Director of the Wetlands Institute, shared the photo with the Borough of Stone Harbor.
 
Late Fall Sunset 
This late fall sunset displayed dramatic colors, as seen from Stone Harbor Boulevard.  The North Wildwood Boulevard Bridge can be seen in the distance.
               
NEED LOCAL GIFT IDEAS? How about an Avalon or Stone Harbor Holiday Beach tag?  The Fudge Kitchen will ship a pound of fudge directly to your gift recipient. Johnson's Popcorn, Uncle Bill's pancake mix, or Mallon's sticky buns can also be shipped for a real taste of Seven Mile Island!
 
TOYS FOR TOTS: Our annual Toys for Tots drive is underway, and a nice pile of toys has already appeared in our lobby. Want to help brighten the holiday of a child? Drop off a toy at our office in the next two weeks, and we'll add it to those already under the tree!