| 2013: | Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
May 30, 2013
A GOOD WEEKEND! The weather steadily improved throughout the Memorial Day Weekend, making it a successful one here on the Island. Monday in particular was a beautiful, sunny day, and the perfect way to begin the summer season. Cape May County's Director of Tourism, Diane Wieland, rated the weekend a solid 8 out of 10.
| IF YOU MISSED the parades this
weekend, have a look at this video summary featuring TV coverage of
Avalon's parade and ceremony by 6ABC News of Philadelphia, plus
Stone Harbor parade clips, and a look at the Stone Harbor American
Legion Post Memorial Day Ceremony. View Video |
 |
SUMMER KICK-OFF EVENT: the Avalon Chamber of Commerce has added a new Summer Kick-Off event on Saturday, June 8th, from 10am to 3pm on the Avalon boardwalk. Come enjoy shopping, surfing, photography and other activities, plus food and beverages!
BEACH REPLENISHMENT in Stone Harbor continues, with crews pumping sand and grading the new beach around the clock. Stone Harbor has recently renegotiated the dredging contract, and the entire beachfront will now receive sand.
WHAT'S NEW around the Island this season? Here are some of the most visible changes to look for: construction of the new Reeds at Shelter Haven is progressing quickly; the former Bank of America building at 96th Street and Second Avenue has been demolished to make way for the future library; the beach - Avalon's beach has already been replenished while Stone Harbor's is being completed now. And one other visible change: after 50 years as Avalon Real Estate Agency, the stylized "A" above our office at 30th & Dune Drive has been replaced by a "Long & Foster" sign! What hasn't changed? Inside our office you'll still find familiar faces and great service!
THE MONTH OF JUNE is a special time here on the Island. Everything's open, but not too crowded. The weather is nice, but not too hot. And the entire summer lies ahead! Come visit for a weekend, or a week!
I had a blast driving Truck 6414, my 1971 American LaFrance, in the Avalon & Stone Harbor Memorial Day Parades, along with my kids, Grace, Dan, and Paul, as well as my mom, Nancy, and my dad, Paul. Thanks to all the friends who waved to us along the parade route!
May 23, 2013
WE COVER THE BEACH! Listen for our radio ads on KYW Radio in the Philadelphia area, promoting our selection of sale and rental properties in Avalon & Stone Harbor. It's one more way Long & Foster provides the broadest possible exposure for our sale and rental listing clients! The radio ads will air for the next few weeks.
EXPANDED BEACHFILL: Stone Harbor's beachfill project has been expanded to include the entire beachfront. The project began in April but was delayed by weather; during the delay Stone Harbor officials were able to negotiate a new agreement to include the entire beach. The dredging company will pump sand until the beginning of June, then move to North Wildwood to complete a previously scheduled project there. Upon completion, the dredge will return to Stone Harbor to fill the remainder of the beach. During the project Stone Harbor's beaches will remain open, except for a 1 or 2 block area in the immediate vicinity of the operation. The large, new beach will provide excellent protection for the borough, and it will be enjoyed recreationally by many.
GET 'EM READY! The three-day holiday weekend is a great opportunity for rental property owners to put the finishing touches on their homes for the upcoming rental season. Make your property shine! Whether it's a spring cleaning, a fresh coat of paint, or new appliances, it's time to get those projects completed in advance of your summer tenant's arrival!
INTEREST RATES have inched up, with the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage just over 3.5%. That's still incredibly low by historical standards, and whether you're refinancing or purchasing a home it's a great time to "lock in" your financing costs for the next three decades! For the names of reliable mortgage lenders (or to begin your search for the perfect shore home!) please call or email me.
CATCH THE PARADES on Monday! Relax and celebrate our veterans at the same time! Avalon and Stone Harbor will both hold traditional Memorial Day parades on Monday. Catch some floats, music, marching veterans, fire trucks, and more! In Avalon, the parade will begin at 9am at 32nd Street and proceed north along Dune Drive to Veteran's Plaza, where a ceremony will follow the parade. In Stone Harbor, the parade will begin at 12 noon and will proceed along 96th Street toward the beach, where a ceremony will follow.
GOING, GOING, GONE! The former Bank of America building at the corner of 96th Street & Second Avenue has been demolished, changing the look of the intersection. Eventually the new library will be built on the site. See the photos below!
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| One last look... | It's gone! |
TURTLE TIME! At this time each year diamondback terrapin turtles begin crawling across local roads as they seek high ground on which to lay their eggs. While many of the local roadways have "turtle fences" installed to prevent turtle fatalities, turtles are still seen crossing from time to time. If you see a turtle crossing, be sure to "give 'em a brake!" If you should stop to help the turtle across the road, please be sure to do so safely and not put yourself in jeopardy!
A TWENTY YEAR OLD red knot has returned to the shores of Delaware Bay again, having been spotted by researchers. The red knot, known by his followers as "B95" for the number that appears on the band around his leg, travels an estimated 10,000 miles yearly from South America to the Canadian Arctic to breed. Each year spotters hope for his return to the area, and they were not disappointed when he arrived again last Friday. Hope the little fellow makes it again next year!
DINE BY THE BAY! Enjoy a meal at The Marina at Avalon Anchorage while you watch the boats go by! This summer they'll be serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week, and dinners Friday through Sunday. Open air, bayside dining at Avalon Anchorage (located at 21st Street and the bay) is enjoyable for the whole family - put it on your summer "to do" list!
May 16, 2013
SELLING IN TODAY'S MARKET? According to a recent AARP newsletter, proper pricing is a key, along with good curb appeal. Also important: good photos of the home and its views, to "turn lookers into visitors." Another tip: fresh paint offers "the best bang for the buck," especially white ceilings to brighten up rooms. If you're considering selling your property, please contact me for an expert analysis of the market and recommendations for maximizing your sale proceeds.
LAST CHANCE FOR PRE-SEASON BEACH TAGS! Full-season beach tags can be purchased pre-season for $21 per tag. On June 1st the cost increases to $26 per tag.
In Avalon, pre-season tags may be purchased at the Beach Tag Booth at Community Hall. They may also be ordered by mail by sending a check (payable to Borough of Avalon) to Avalon Tax Office/Beach Tags, 3100 Dune Drive, Avalon, NJ 08202. (You will be mailed a receipt to redeem your tags upon your next visit to town.)
In Stone Harbor pre-season tags may be purchased at the Beach Tag Office at 95th Street & the beach on weekends. Order Stone Harbor pre-season tags by mail: View/Print Order Form
Avalon & Stone Harbor will honor each other's tags as they traditionally do.
GRANTS WERE RECEIVED by both Avalon & Stone Harbor for road paving. Avalon will use its $175,000 NJDOT grant for repaving of Dune Drive between 77th and 80th Streets, while Stone Harbor will put a grant of the same amount toward the repaving of First Avenue from 80th Street to 89th Street. Both projects are likely to take place after the summer season.
THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE Spring Shorebird and Horseshoe Crab Festival is this weekend! The festival kicks off with a lecture Friday evening titled "Shorebirds Around the World." Numerous activities follow on Saturday and Sunday, including demonstrations, marsh walks, children's activities, and more. For full details Read More.
While you're visiting the Wetlands Institute this weekend bring your camera and catch a sunset over the marsh!
OPEN & READY! Kick off the season with a visit to your favorite places - they'll all be ready for you! Pudgie Pelican, Fred's Tavern, The Windrift, Kudos American Grille, Tonio's, Springer's Ice Cream, Nemo's, Bradley's, The Princeton, Smuggler's Cove, Hoy's 5 & 10 - check 'em out!
THE SEVEN MILE JITNEY will begin running Memorial Day Weekend. Park your car and ride the Jitney as you visit your favorites. The Jitney will run on weekends through June, and will operate seven days a week July through Labor Day. The fare is $2 per ride from 6pm to 11pm, and $4 per ride from 11pm to 2am.
TIME TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER "TO DO" LIST! We all know the summer season goes by in a flash, so take a moment and make your summer "to do" list now! Whether you want to read a book on the beach, visit a local lighthouse, take your grandkids fishing, or try parasailing, put it on your "to do" list. You won't regret it!
ONE WEEK 'TIL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! 'Nuff said!
May 9, 2013
"BUY A HOUSE, MAYBE TWO!" That was the headline on an article that appeared in Wealth Wire on April 29, 2013. Among the reasons cited for buying now were extremely low interest rates-currently averaging 3.4% for 30-year fixed rates and 2.61% for 15-year fixed rates. An important point: even if you're selling now, low interest rates help you, as buyers can afford more using low-rate financing. Capitalize on that by pricing your property to sell now!
73 PROPERTIES are currently under contract in the local market, with prices ranging from $200,000 to $4,000,000. Are you next? There is still a very good selection of properties to choose from, plus the great interest rates mentioned above. Give your family a gift that will last a lifetime! Call or email me to get started!
RIDE THE RAILS in nearby Tuckahoe this weekend! Trains will be running on the Cape May Seashore Lines on Saturday, May 11th, which is National Train Day. Ride aboard vintage railroad equipment through the pines of South Jersey! Purchase Tickets
Thick fog enveloped the Avalon Boulevard Bridge Tuesday morning. This view shows the bridge looking toward Avalon.
BEACH REPLENISHMENT continues on Stone Harbor's beaches. If you've never witnessed this type of operation, it's worth a visit. Kids young and old will enjoy watching thousands of gallons of sand-laden water being pumped onto the beach as giant bulldozers push and grade the sand on the new beach. The dredge is also visible just offshore. Check it out!
WITH MEMORIAL DAY just around the corner the Island is alive with activity. In just a couple of weeks the season will be upon us-if you haven't made your summer plans, call or email me today! For some great Memorial Day Weekend activities, see the Upcoming Events below!
I'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Need information on a certain price range or type of property? Thinking about selling? Trying to find a great rental for this summer? Tell me what you need!
PLEASE FORWARD this message to anyone who loves Avalon & Stone Harbor. To subscribe, send a message to Randy@RandyLeiser.com!
May 2, 2013
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE reopened to vehicular traffic a few days ago. The roadway at the foot of the bridge received temporary repairs, but more comprehensive repairs will take place after the summer season. The bridge links Avalon with Sea Isle City, as part of the Ocean Drive connecting South Jersey's barrier islands.
EVEN THE DOLPHINS LIKE IT HERE! The Atlantic City Press reported that bottlenose dolphins returned to the Jersey shore on March 16th, having been spotted by the Cape May Whale Watcher. The Press reports that dolphins aren't normally seen until April or May when water temperatures are above 50 degrees, as opposed to the cold, 38 degree water in March. The dolphins even stayed longer than usual last season, and were visible in New Jersey waters through Thanksgiving. Experts wonder if that's due to climate change, or if the dolphins are simply enjoying abundant food sources here. Either way, it's great to have 'em back!
BEACH REPLENISHMENT is underway in Stone Harbor. Shown above a bulldozer waits atop a sand pile as sand and water are pumped onto the beach. As the sand settles and the water runs back into the ocean, bulldozers push the sand and grade the newly formed beach. The dredge pumping the sand is moored just offshore. Avalon's beach replenishment project is already completed.
THE STONE HARBOR BIRD SANCTUARY is a local treasure that's nationally known. Never been there? Stop by and take a walk on one or more of the four trails to see fresh and saltwater wetlands, birds, butterflies, and more. Until you can make it in person, check out this Two Minute Video Tour!
DID YOU CATCH OUR TWO PAGE SPREAD in the Fashion Washington ad that appeared in the May 1st Washington Post? It reaches 100,000 of the wealthiest households in the Washington, DC metro area. It's just one more way we provide tremendous marketing exposure for our clients!
CENTENNIAL BOOK PROJECT: Photos are still needed for the Stone Harbor Centennial Book Project, especially from the 1950s through today. Email photos to stoneharborbook2014@gmail.com, post them to the Stone Harbor Centennial Book Project on Facebook, or stop at borough hall to drop off photos to be scanned and returned to you.
SUPER RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES! We've had a busy rental season but there are still great rental options available. For example, you'll find 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and central air conditioning in this townhome at 255 35th Street in Avalon, and it's just 2 blocks to the beach! Rates for available weeks range from $1,400 to $3,600. Call me or MaryAnn to book a week!
THE BUZZ IS BACK! It happens at this time every year...flowers and trees are in bloom, property owners are spiffing up their homes, businesses are open and ready for visitors, and more of them return to the Island each week. Memorial Day is less than a month away, and you can feel the buzz around the Island.
PLEASE FORWARD this newsletter to someone who loves Avalon & Stone Harbor! To subscribe, please send an email to Randy@RandyLeiser.com.