2014:

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June

July

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This Weeks News 7/30/2014

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DECONSTRUCTION? We all know that construction of new homes is quite prevalent on the Island. To make way for those new homes, old homes are usually demolished. But "deconstruction" is something to consider. Deconstruction is the process of removing a building in the reverse order of construction, while valuable materials are reclaimed and reused elsewhere-meaning they don't end up in a landfill. The homeowner may even enjoy tax benefits, too. Visit www.secondchanceinc.org for more on this idea!
 
MORTGAGE PROGRAMS FOR EVERY NEED: Today's mortgage lenders offer loan programs for every need, going way beyond the traditional 30-year fixed rate. Here's just one example for jumbo mortgage borrowers: a "15/15" loan offers a fixed rate for the first fifteen years of the loan's life, then adjusts once and remains fixed for the remaining fifteen years. The best part? The rate for the initial 15 years is about .375% less than the usual 30-year fixed rate, saving you considerable interest! Whether you're buying or refinancing, contact me and I'll put you in touch with reputable mortgage lenders you can trust!
 
A NEW BROCHURE features many of Long & Foster's sale & rental listings and highlights our presence along the entire Southern New Jersey coastline. Click the image below to view the brochure!


 
GLOBETROTTERS AT THE BEACH:  Catch the world famous Harlem Globetrotters at the Wildwood Convention Center for four games and four clinics from Aug. 6-9. The team has extended a discount offer to Long & Foster friends: Save $7 off each ticket using the online promo code "PTPA" at www.harlemglobetrotters.com/wildwood - or show this newsletter to the box office (discount not valid on courtside tickets).  Kids of all ages love the Globetrotters! 
 
THINGS TO DO: Do you have a summer "to do" list? Here are a few fun things to add to it: catch a sunrise on the beach; walk one of the viewing paths through the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary; take a kid fishing; enjoy an upscale meal in a local restaurant; stroll Avalon's boardwalk; sit on one of the piers overlooking Stone Harbor's beach. Need some other ideas? See the list of upcoming events below! Whatever your interests, add a few fun activities to your summer "to do" list-then get 'em done!

This Weeks News 7/23/2014

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MAKE YOUR VACATION PERMANENT! While you're here on vacation, why not set aside some time to consider purchasing a shore home of your own? Whether you have questions about what it's like to own a vacation home, or you're ready to begin looking for one, I'm ready to help! Email me or call me at (800) 967-7796 x212 so we can schedule an appointment at your convenience!
 
COMPLETE INTERIORS of Avalon decorated the Wilmington, Delaware home of Long & Foster friends Jim & Patty Seif, as reported by Philly.com. The Seif's Stone Harbor home was decorated by Complete Interiors, too.  Read the article here
 
50 YEARS FOR THE FERRY! The Cape May-Lewes Ferry celebrates its 50th Anniversary this summer. In addition to regular crossings of the Delaware Bay with your automobile, or as a foot passenger, the CMLF offers a variety of events and packages for all to enjoy. From musical performances and marine naturalists to local history, there's something for everyone! Visit www.CapeMayLewesFerry.com for a complete list of events, plus ferry schedules and fares.
 

This commemorative postcard issued by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
 
SANTA'S IN TOWN! That's right, the big guy's in Stone Harbor through July 25th, enjoying a little vacation time at the beach! Santa has exchanged his usual red suit for summer attire, but continues to wear his traditional red cap around town. Look for him in local stores, restaurants, playing miniature golf, or even soaking up some sun on the sand!
 
SEALS & OTTERS have also chosen to spend a little vacation time in the area. A seal was spotted on the beach in Sea Isle City several days ago, while a handful of otters have been seen in the back bay waters of Avalon & Stone Harbor. Though unusual, these visits are not unheard of. Whatever type of wildlife you see in the area, be sure to observe from a safe distance. 
 
CATCH THE B STREET BAND in Avalon Saturday night, July 26th, for their Bruce Springsteen Tribute concert. The band will perform at 7pm at Avalon Community Hall. If you've never seen the B Street Band, they put on a great show. Saturday's performance is sponsored by the Avalon Lions Club.

A NOTE FROM THE BASEBALL FIELD!  You may know that I enjoy coaching my kids' baseball teams during my off time. This year Paul was a member of the Ocean City-Upper Township 11U All Star team. After a good run, Paul's season came to an end this week with a heartbreaking 8-5 loss in the Little League District 16 Championship. Dan also enjoyed his first season of all-star baseball, as a member of Upper Township's 8U team. Grace is their biggest fan, having cheered the boys during dozens of games, but she has her first season of T-ball under her belt now. All three are looking forward to next season, and so am I!

This Weeks News 7/16/2014

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SIT ON THE BEACH THIS SUMMER-it's good for the soul! If you haven't already, there's still time to find a great vacation property in Avalon or Stone Harbor! If you can be flexible with your requirements, especially your vacation dates, we've got plenty of options available for you. Want to spend a week by the beach?  How about a relaxing getaway on the bay? Let me know what type of property you'd like, and I'll find one for you!
 
STONE HARBOR BOROUGH COUNCIL has discussed applying for county Open Space funds to facilitate the acquisition of the Pebbles Guest House in conjunction with the Stone Harbor Museum. Under such a scenario, the county would own the land with Stone Harbor responsible for the maintenance of the building. Upcoming deadlines for county Open Space applications are August 15th and December 15th.
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE AVALON BEACH PATROL on their recent win at the Beschan-Callahan Lifeguard Championships in North Wildwood. Look for more lifeguard competitions throughout the summer.
 
GLOBETROTTERS AT THE BEACH!  The world famous Harlem Globetrotters are back at the Wildwood Convention Center for four games and four clinics from Aug. 6-9. If you have kids and will be here that week, they are a must see. The team has extended a discount offer to Long & Foster friends: Save $7 off each ticket using the online promo code "PTPA" - or show this email to the box office (discount not valid on courtside tickets). Get your tickets--the Globetrotters are fun for kids young and old!
 
SUPERMOON=WOW!  A "Supermoon" loomed large in the sky this past weekend, accompanied by high tides in local waters. The full moon, which was 30,000 miles closer to earth than it usually is, put on a beautiful show, rising just past dinner time and illuminating the sky and ground most of the evening. Supermoons, or more properly "perigee moons" occur periodically, with two more due in 2014 on August 10th and September 9th.
 

The next time a full moon comes around dig out your camera and tripod!
 
SUMMER BUCKET LIST: What's on yours? Do you hope to get to one of Avalon's Big Beach Movies with the family? Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Stone Harbor's Bird Sanctuary? Take the kids fishing? Whatever is on your summer bucket list, make sure you do it! Take the time and enjoy it with friends and family!

This Weeks News 7/9/2014

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MARKET STATS: The numbers for the first six months of the year are in, and they show a solid performance for the local real estate market. Through June 30th 152 sales occurred (up 3.4%) with an average price of $1,296,736 (up 13.8%) and a median price of $1,009,500 (up 12.7%). 48 properties are currently under contract with closings scheduled from now through November. What's driving the market? Low interest rates combined with a good selection of properties at reasonable prices. Let me help you find your perfect shore home! Call or email me today!
 
THE 5TH OF JULY? Although the rain cleared by lunchtime on the 4th, strong winds caused Stone Harbor to reschedule their fireworks display for July 5th, while Avalon rescheduled theirs for July 6th. In the end it made for two great fireworks shows on lovely evenings! Overall, the weekend was a great success with good beach weather, busy shops, and full restaurants.
 

Fireworks over the bay! Avalon & Stone Harbor fireworks displays are visible from numerous locations on the Island!
 
NEXT STOP? REST STOP! The Ocean View Rest Stop on the Garden State Parkway reopened this past weekend after a complete rebuild. The new facility is a welcome respite for those travelling southbound on the Parkway to shore destinations, and is the only rest stop south of the Atlantic City Expressway. The former rest stop building was closed in November and demolished to make way for the new building.
 
GOOD FISHING REPORTS continue to come in! Flounder are being caught in the back bays and in the ocean, while offshore fisherman are reporting good catches of tuna. The first white and blue marlin catches of the season have occurred in the offshore canyons, too. Try your luck with a rod and reel! Visit Smuggler's Cove, Avalon Hodge Podge, or Moran's Dockside for bait, tackle, and advice on where to go. Don't have your own boat? Catch one of the Miss Avalon's daily trips, or charter a local vessel for the day!
 
AHHH, THAT SEABREEZE! Most areas around the region will see temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s this week. Along the beach a cool seabreeze will keep things more comfortable, with temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s. Summer's here -- c'mon down!
 
PLEASE FORWARD this newsletter to a friend, neighbor, or coworker who loves Avalon & Stone Harbor. To subscribe, send me an email!     

This Weeks News 7/2/2014

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SUPERSTAR BEACHES: Three local beaches were recognized for consistently excellent water quality over the past five years, and named to the National Resource Defense Council’s list of 35 Superstar Beaches from across the nation. 40th Street beach in Avalon, 96th Street beach in Stone Harbor, and 40th Street beach in Sea Isle City were all named to the list—great news for those who enjoy swimming in the surf. Other nearby beaches named to the list include Webster Road in Upper Township and Orchid Road in Wildwood Crest. The NRDC analyzed water test results from nearly 3,500 beaches across the nation. View the list of Superstar Beaches


LONG & FOSTER’S MARKET MINUTE report for Avalon & Stone Harbor is now available—check out the latest market stats including units sold, median prices, and average days on market, all right here: http://www.longandfoster.com/Market-Minute/NJ/Avalon-Stone-Harbor.pdf

FLAGS WILL FLY HIGH this weekend as July 4th celebrations take place. On the Island catch a variety of activities including boat parades, field races, music, and more. Of course, it’s all topped off with huge fireworks displays on the evening of the 4th, on Avalon & Stone Harbor beaches, beginning at dark. See below for a list of Island events and activities!


Old Glory flies proudly with a blue sky and sailboat mast in the background.

SHARING COSTS: Avalon and Stone Harbor will share Chief Financial Officer Jim Craft′s services during the next year, saving money for both towns.  Craft was Avalon’s CFO, but began helping Stone Harbor on a temporary basis when Stone Harbor’s CFO left, before the year-long shared services agreement was reached.  Avalon and Stone Harbor have also been sharing  joint police dispatch services to help save costs for taxpayers without compromising services.  

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANDY BEDNAREK, who retired this week after thirty years of service to the Borough of Avalon.  Bednarek was Avalon’s Borough Administrator, and received praise from both residents and Borough officials for his work.  Enjoy retirement, Andy!  

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!  Best wishes for an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend!