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
2014: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

This Weeks News 6/25/2014

MARKET STATS:  Sales through June 15th show that 2014 is shaping up to be a very solid year in the Avalon/Stone Harbor real estate market. So far this year 132 sales have occurred (+2.3% versus the same period last year); the average contract price was $1,297,707 (+17.9%) and the median sale price was $980,750 (+15.3%). The dollar volume of all properties sold through June 15th was just over $171 million, up 21% over the same period last year. An additional 52 properties are currently under contract in the local market, meaning the solid market continues!
 
READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE?  Imagine the excitement those 52 families mentioned above are feeling, as they anticipate their new shore property! Ready to bring the same excitement to your family? Call me at (800) 967-7796, or visit Property Listings to get started on your search!
 
FISH ALLEY in Sea Isle City has a long history of commercial fishing. Today you'll find waterfront restaurants such as the Lobster Loft, Carmen's, Marie's and Mike's Seafood, which offer dockside dining. You'll still find commercial fishing vessels, but today they're outnumbered by pleasure boats in the area. Stop by Fish Alley for a great bayside meal, or pick up something to take home!
 
Fish Alley - Sea Isle City
Fish Alley in Sea Isle City is host to commercial fishing vessels, restaurants, and pleasure craft.
 
FEELS LIKE SUMMER:  Signs of summer are all around! Warm sunny days and cool afternoon sea breezes; busy restaurants; people relaxing and swimming along the beach; good fishing reports from all over. The upcoming July 4th weekend will bring even more activities including music, concerts, fireworks, and more. C'mon down!
 
CATCH THE JITNEY:  Park your car and catch the Jitney to make your way around the Island through Labor Day Weekend. The Jitney runs each evening beginning at 6pm, and connects the business districts of both Avalon and Stone Harbor by making a continuous loop along Dune Drive (Second Avenue) and Ocean Drive (Third Avenue) between 20th Street and 96th Street. Fares are $2 from 6pm to 11pm, and $4 from 11pm to 2am.
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY'S future growth is predicted to be strong, according to a recent study for the US Conference of Mayors.  With a projected 3.1% annual growth rate, Cape May County was among the top 40. Wealthy retirees are expected to drive the trend, bolstering both real estate values and the local economy.  Read an article by the Atlantic City Press

This Weeks News 6/19/2014

NEED A VACATION? There are still great Avalon/Stone Harbor vacation options available, especially if you are flexible with your vacation dates. Please check our Vacation Rentals or call me or MaryAnn with your requirements! Don't miss out on your vacation at the shore!
 
RENTAL PROPERTIES-GET 'EM READY: Last chance to get your rental property ready before the crush of the summer season. Make sure your air conditioning, appliances, and ceiling fans are all in good working order, your wi-fi connection is ready, and that your pool is open, running, and fully serviced!
 
HOT FISHING: from flounder to sharks, fishermen all over the area are reporting good catches. If you don't have your own boat, consider renting one at a local bait & tackle shop such as Smuggler's Cove in Stone Harbor, or consider boarding the Miss Avalon, which sails twice daily during the summer months.  Visit www.facebook.com/smugglerscovenj or www.MissAvalon.com for info.
 
PAINT NIGHT: Let your creativity flow as you create your own art at Paint Night, offered every Monday by Island Studio in Stone Harbor, located at 261 96th Street Suite 118. From 6pm to 9:30pm, enjoy working on an artist's canvas using supplies provided by Island Studio. Appetizers and a beverage are included too. Cost is $45 per person-great for date night or girls night out! Reservations are required; call Island Studio at 609-368-6500 or visit www.IslandStudio.org.
 
Avalon & Stone Harbor Street MapsGRAB AN AVALON/STONE HARBOR street map, courtesy of Long & Foster Real Estate, on your next visit to the Island. In addition to a map of the entire Island you'll find a schedule of summer events, a list of protected/rafting beaches, and information on dozens of our sale listings! You'll find the maps around town, or stop in our office to pick one up.

FUTURE AVALON DREDGING PLANS will be discussed at a public meeting Saturday, June 21st at 11am at the Avalon Elementary School Gym. Mayor Martin Pagliughi will make a presentation, as will Municipal Engineer Thomas Thornton from Hatch Mott MacDonald. The scope and timeline of the dredging operation will be discussed, along with options for waterfront property owners regarding the dredging of private slips in the project area.
 
"THURSDAYS ON DUNE" kicks off June 26th at 7pm as the 7 Mile Singers will perform a live concert at Veteran's Plaza. A series of different performances is planned over the summer, designed to attract families to Avalon's popular business district.

This Weeks News 6/12/2014

CATCH 9 OPEN HOUSES in Avalon Manor this Saturday from 11am to 2pm. Stop by our office for a list, or simply look for Long & Foster Open House signs!
 
EVER WONDER what it's like to ride a stand-up paddleboard while dolphins frolic around you? This two minute video will have you longing for the calm waters just off the beach (you'll catch a glimpse of Avalon's shoreline, including the Fishing Pier, too!)   "Fins Free" Video
 
'SALT MARSH STORIES' premiers at the Wetlands Institute Thursday, June 12 at 7pm. The original film depicts the history of the salt marshes around Stone Harbor, and the stars of the movie will be present to discuss the film and answer questions. Tickets are $5; call (609) 368-1211 or email cfaulk@wetlandsinstitute.org.
 
NEW 39TH STREET PARK: In the fall of this year look for a new park at 39th Street & Dune Drive in Avalon. The new park is expected to contain bocce courts, a picnic pavilion, children's play area, and an area of open lawn.
 
AVALON, STONE HARBOR, AND MIRAMAR? Today we know that Avalon and Stone Harbor occupy the Seven Mile Beach, but the 48-page prospectus of the South Jersey Realty Company promoted the future of Stone Harbor and Miramar, "lying immediately southward." It seems the South Jersey Realty Company intended to call the southernmost section of Seven Mile Beach "Miramar," even referencing the lifesaving station which had already been built there (it still stands at what is now 117th Street.) The name "Miramar" was eventually dropped and the southern three miles of Seven Mile Beach became a part of Stone Harbor. Does anyone know why (or when) the name "Miramar" was dropped?

Stone Harbor and Miramar c. 1907 Brochure
This circa 1907 brochure from the South Jersey Realty Company promoted the development of Stone Harbor and Miramar, which was to be the southernmost section of Seven Mile Beach.
 
HUMPBACK WHALE SIGHTED: Passengers on the Cape May Lewes Ferry were delighted to sight a humpback whale aboard a recent Ferry trip. Other recent sightings include a bald eagle and osprey, while dolphins are regular visitors throughout the summer. View a Brief Video of the Humpback Whale
 
THE 'YANKEE LADY' paid a visit to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Museum this week.  The World War II era B-17 bomber flew in to NASW for walk-through tours as well as paid rides. The B-17 is owned by the Yankee Air Museum of Michigan, and is one of about a dozen still flying. According to one fellow lucky enough to get a ride: "I have a new-found respect for those who flew and fought in them!" Even if you're not going flying, NASW is worth a visit; its historic hangar houses a collection of vintage aircraft. On display you'll find everything from a WWII era TBM Avenger to an F-14 Tomcat, plus interactive displays to entertain and educate kids and adults alike!

This Weeks News 6/5/2014

AVALON MANOR OPEN HOUSE DAY: Stop by Avalon Manor on Saturday, June 14th from 11am to 2pm to tour several fine homes being offered for sale. This quiet bayside community lies alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, and provides a tranquil setting and beautiful sunset views. Nine homes will be available to see-check with me for a list, or look for open house signs that day. If you've only seen Avalon Manor while driving by on Avalon Boulevard, you're missing out-stop by and check it out!
 
TURTLE CROSSING! Diamondback Terrapin nesting season is underway, so watch for them crossing local roadways on their way to or from high ground, where they lay eggs. Turtle fencing has been placed in many areas to prevent turtles from being struck by vehicles. If you should come across a turtle and wish to assist it, help it cross in the direction it was going. If you should find hatchling turtles, place them under vegetation in the nearest marsh, but not in the water. Please-be aware of your own safety on the road if attempting to help a turtle!
 
SEA ISLE CITY IS "HAPPY!" Pharrell Williams' catchy tune has swept the nation, and has even made its way through Sea Isle City. Clap along as Sea Isle City residents, business owners, and visitors get "Happy" in this recently released video: Sea Isle City is Happy (youTube)
 
HEAVY STEEL BEAMS are being put in place at the new Garden State Parkway overpass at Crest Haven Road. The huge project to replace three traffic lights on the Parkway is on schedule, and is expected to be completed in November 2015. Once completed the project will greatly improve both safety and traffic flow.
 
Sunrise Avalon NJ
A golden sunrise lights up the surf. Take a walk on the beach at sunrise-it's good for the soul!
 
BALD EAGLE SIGHTING:  Long & Foster friends Jim & Patty Seif reported seeing a bald eagle along Stone Harbor Boulevard recently. While you may not be that lucky, you're almost sure to see egrets, gulls, and ospreys at various points on and off the Island. Set aside some time, bring your binoculars or your camera, and check out the amazing wildlife that lives on and around the Island!