2014:

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

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Sept.

Oct.

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Dec.

This Weeks News 5/29/2014

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GREAT WEEKEND! What a way to kick off the summer season! Island visitors enjoyed beautiful beach days, shopping and dining, and traditional Memorial Day observances. By all accounts it was a superb weekend, and the perfect way to welcome Summer 2014!

DID YOU CATCH THE PARADES this weekend? Avalon and Stone Harbor both held traditional Memorial Day ceremonies, and each was preceded by a parade.

Avalon Parade in HD, Part 1

Avalon Parade in HD, Part 2

   
The parade included military veterans, antique vehicles, Avalon Yacht Club, Avalon & Stone Harbor Fire Departments, Avalon Lion's Club, and many other great participants.  I was happy to be driving my 1971 American LaFrance ladder truck!  Thanks to all  who waved to us as we passed by!
 
SEVEN MILE RESTAURANT WEEK takes place Monday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 8th. More than 35 local restaurants are participating this year; enjoy breakfast and lunch specials, along with three-course dinners for $30.14. Whether you prefer to try a restaurant you haven't visited before, or simply return to your favorites, be sure to take advantage of Restaurant Week!
 
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE reopened to traffic just prior to the weekend. The bridge had been closed for over three months for structural repairs.
 
WORK ON THE PARKWAY continues, with ramps and overpasses beginning to take shape in some locations. Next week, expect temporary closures of Stone Harbor Boulevard, Shell Bay Avenue, and Crest Haven Road to allow for the erection of steel beams. The closures will take place mid-week so as to have a minimal impact on traffic.
 
HELP THE WETLANDS INSTITUTE replant marsh grass in areas impacted by the construction of their new walkway. 1,500 plugs of Smooth Cordgrass will be planted by volunteers on June 3rd, from 9am to 2pm. Plan to get muddy and be prepared for sun, wind, and bugs. Wear rubber boots or closed water shoes! To register, email cfaulk@wetlandsintitute.org.
 
AIR TRAFFIC UP 17%: The Atlantic City Press reports that air traffic at Atlantic City International Airport has increased 17% this year, due to increased flights from United Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Atlantic City's airport is a great alternative to Philadelphia International because it's closer and less congested. Non-stop flights from "ACY" include Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Orlando, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
 
GOOD FISHING! Fishermen all over are reporting good catches of flounder, stripers, and other species. The summer flounder season just opened, with a 28-inch, 7.5-pound flounder being weighed in at Smuggler's Cove in Stone Harbor. Set aside some time, grab your gear, and go fishing! Even better: take a kid with you and introduce them to the sport!
  

This Weeks News 5/22/2014

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FANTASTIC FINANCING OPTIONS are available for those ready to buy a shore home. Mortgage rates are just above 4% for both conforming and jumbo loans. In addition to great rates, there are a number of creative programs to help both at the time of purchase as well as afterward.

For example, for those who are qualified for a purchase but a bit short on cash, a home equity line can be the source of additional down payment funds. Another lender offers a traditional fixed rate loan at regular rates, but will "recast" the loan at no cost when a principle reduction of $20,000 or more is made; this lowers the monthly payment for the remainder of the loan - great for those who like to pay down their loan ahead of schedule. Contact me for the names of reliable lenders who will work to find the best financing option for you!
 
LOOKIN' GOOD! Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, and the forecast calls for daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 70s. There's a chance of showers Friday and Saturday, with mostly sunny skies being forecast for Sunday and Monday - perfect for barbeques and parades!
 
CATCH TWO PARADES on the Island, both on Memorial Day. Avalon's parade begins at 9am, and Stone Harbor's begins at noon; see below for the parade routes, and details on the memorial services to follow each.
 

Well, that settles it! It's Summertime!
 
THIS SUMMER, make your family's dreams come true! If you've always wanted your very own place at the shore, take a moment and call me today. I'll listen to your needs and help you find the perfect shore home for your family!
 
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! Thanks to all those who have sacrificed so much defending our nation! Take a moment to say thanks to a veteran this Memorial Day!

This Weeks News 5/15/2014

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WITH GREAT SADNESS we report the passing of Jane Campbell after a courageous battle against complications from a sudden illness. Jane is survived by her husband of 44 years, Brian Campbell, her sons Jason (Bobbie), Tadhg (Natacha), and Zachary (Maura), and her seven wonderful grandchildren: Riley, Libby, Avery, Max, Harbor, Sealeigh, and Sailor. Jane and Brian moved to Cape May County in 1977, when they joined Avalon Real Estate Agency and enjoyed much success. Jane will be deeply missed by Brian, her family, and by her friends at Long & Foster.
 
BEACH TAGS can be purchased pre-season in Avalon & Stone Harbor at a discounted rate of $21 per tag, through May 31st. After that the cost increases to $26. As in the past, tags are reciprocal between the two towns.
 
BEACH OPENING! On Thursday, May 22nd at 4pm, kick off your shoes and get some sand in your toes at Stone Harbor's official beach opening ceremony at the 95th Street beach. Come dressed for the beach, as beach activities for all ages will accompany the ceremony!
 
STONE HARBOR'S FLOOD INSURANCE RATING has improved from Class 7 to Class 5. The new rating will result in flood insurance savings for policy holders, thanks to the ongoing efforts of borough officials to mitigate flood losses in various ways. Avalon officials have undertaken similar efforts over the years, and recently obtained a Class 5 rating.
 

Mother's Day Weekend brought plenty of sunshine to the Island, giving beachgoers perfect beach weather. On Sunday evening clear, sunny skies gave way to fog. By the next morning skies were clear again.
 
GOOD MORNING AMERICA meteorologist Ginger Zee did her morning weather broadcasts from Atlantic City's Boardwalk on Wednesday morning. In addition to reporting the weather, Zee talked up many of Atlantic City's attractions and events. View the Article from the Atlantic City Press
 
GET READY! PROPERTY OWNERS, with the season about to begin it's time to make final preparations for rental properties. All utilities and appliances should be on and working; cable TV boxes and remote controls should be operable; WiFi should be checked and the password posted in the property, and all other amenities and supplies readied for incoming tenants.

TENANTS, if you haven't yet selected your summer vacation home, there are still good options available, especially if you are flexible with your vacation dates and other requirements. Visit Vacation Rentals, or call me or MaryAnn to find the perfect property!
 
FIFTEEN DAYS TILL MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

This Weeks News 5/8/2014

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MARKET STATS: for the latest quarterly market report for Cape May County, click here:  Cape May County Market Summary Q1 2014.  Key highlights: The number of units sold in the first quarter this year was down 7.7% versus a year ago, while the average sale price was up 8.8%. Properties sold for an average of 92.9% of their asking price.
 

The latest market stats are in; see the link above for the full report.
 
TOURISM INCREASED by 2% in Cape May County in 2013, as reported by the Atlantic City Press. State tourism figures were unveiled yesterday at a tourism conference in Cape May County. Coastal counties in New Jersey generated a combined $19 billion in tourism revenue.
 
A REALTOR.COM survey conducted last month found that 13% of consumers were ready to buy a luxury home, with another 26% considering such a purchase. In the northeast region consumers surveyed identified $1 million as the price level at which luxury housing begins.
 
IT'S TURTLE TIME! At this time of year diamondback terrapins are often seen crossing local roads to reach high ground in order to lay eggs.   If you should encounter a turtle, give 'em a "brake" and slow down. If you wish to help the turtle cross the road, move the turtle in the direction it was headed, but-please-be cautious of traffic and your own safety!
 
MORE SIGNS OF SUMMER: everywhere you look signs of summer abound! Here are just a few more indicators that summer's around the corner: trees & flowers blooming along Dune Drive; surfers and stand-up paddle boarders in the ocean; afternoon sea breezes on warm days; fisherman catching flounder with one reporting five on his first trip out yesterday!
 
GREAT RENTALS remain available, especially if you are flexible with your vacation dates! Visit Vacation Rentals to get started on your search. You can reach me at (800) 967-7796 x212, and MaryAnn at Extension 211.
 
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Treat Mom to a special day on Sunday! Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!

This Weeks News 5/1/2014

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THE UNION LEAGUE of Philadelphia has acquired the Backyard Restaurant in Stone Harbor and is planning to operate it as a members-only BYOB restaurant for the upcoming season.  The club plans to open the restaurant by Memorial Day.
 
ALSO OPENING this season is "Chill," a new roof-top restaurant overlooking 96th Street.  The restaurant is currently under construction, at the location of a former miniature golf course.  It, too, will be BYOB, and is expected to open in late June.
 
BUSCH'S SEAFOOD:  TAKEOUT ONLY.  The Atlantic City Press reported that Busch's Seafood in Sea Isle City will serve takeout food only this season, as its owners scale back their operation.  The Press reported that the lounge and liquor store will operate as usual.  Busch's has been a part of Sea Isle City's landscape since the 1800s.
 
LIFEGUARDS WANTED!  Avalon Beach Patrol will be hiring lifeguards for the 2014 summer season.  On June 7th the beach patrol will test applicants with a ¾ mile swim and a ¼ mile run and surf dash.

If you'd like to apply for the quintessential summer job, click here:
Avalon Beach Patrol Letter and Application (pdf)
 

Newly built lifeguard stands await a coat of paint at the Avalon Beach Patrol building at 32nd Street.  Do you know someone who'd like to apply for a lifeguard position?  See above!
 
THE TOWNSEND'S INLET BRIDGE is still undergoing repairs and did not reopen on April 30th as planned.  Instead, the bridge is expected to open on May 15th. 
 
THE ANTICIPATION of a new summer season is upon us!  Signs are everywhere: flowers have been planted, decks have been power washed, restaurants are reopening, and boats are being launched!  Plan to set aside some time this summer to enjoy your family and your favorite activities.  Better yet, consider purchasing your own shore property, and make family memories that will last a lifetime!  Call me at (800) 967-7796 x212 to get started-there's still time to be in by summer!