2015:

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

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Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

This Weeks News 12/22/2015

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CHRISTMAS FULL MOON: If you're looking for Santa in the skies on Christmas Eve you'll be treated to another spectacular sight: a Christmas full moon--the first time it's happened since 1977. The moon will rise on Christmas Eve just after dark, and reach its peak in the early morning hours on Christmas Day. Don't miss it--the next Christmas full moon doesn't occur until 2034!
 



An Island Christmas!  
 
NEW YEAR'S EVE ON THE ISLAND: If you'd like to ring in the New Year right here on the Island, you'll find a variety of choices, including The Golden Inn, The Reeds at Shelter Haven, Bobby Dee's Rock 'n Chair, and Fred's Tavern. All will be open to help close out 2015 and say hello to 2016!
 
THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of January 4, 2016.
 
A SINCERE THANK YOU for your business and referrals in 2015! I truly appreciate it!
 
FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS, warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season, and a healthy, happy, prosperous 2016! 

This Weeks News 12/17/2015

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YOU'VE PROBABLY NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE! Recently there have been numerous humpback whale sightings in local waters, as the whales feed while migrating through the area. Stand up paddle boarder Nik Pattantyus has recorded some incredible footage of whales that he encountered while off the beach last week. Take a few minutes and enjoy it!
 

There is amazing sea life in the waters just off our beaches!
 
MARKET STATS: The latest Long & Foster Market Minute report shows increases in both the number of units sold and the median sale price, while the number of active listings and the average days on the market declined. For the full report click here: The Long & Foster Market Minute Report
 

 Click above for the latest Market Minute report.
 
TOYS FOR TOTS: Once again Long & Foster will serve as a drop off point for Toys for Tots, continuing an annual tradition. Help brighten the holiday of a child by contributing a new, unwrapped toy--simply stop by our office Monday through Saturday during business hours to drop it off!
 
LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS! Need a last minute gift? Here are some great ideas that will add a little bit of Seven Mile Beach to your holiday:
 
   The Fudge Kitchen will ship fudge or the sweet treat of your choice: The Original Fudge Kitchen;
 
   Uncle Bill's will ship their famous pancake mix. (609) 967-8448;
 
   The Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers gift certificates that can be used at the time of your
   recipient's choosing. (800) 64-FERRY;
 
   Adopt-A-Terrapin or Adopt-A-Horseshoe Crab! The Wetlands Institute - Conservation;
 
   or call your favorite local shop or restaurant for a gift certificate!

This Weeks News 12/10/2015

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AVALON'S GOLDEN INN was sold this past week to Icona Resorts, a hotel-management company that will makeover the resort. According to www.GoldenInn.com, a total renovation of the hotel is planned, including 155 rooms, the restaurant, pool, and beach bar, with work expected to finish by July 2016.
 
Read More About This Story On Philly.com.
 
A TAX CUT ON BOAT PURCHASES could soon become law if New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signs legislation recently sent to him by the State Assembly. The proposal would cut sales tax on boats by 50%, and cap the maximum sales tax paid at $20,000. The legislation is designed to bolster New Jersey's boating industry, making it more competitive with that of other states with lower tax rates. Boat registrations in New Jersey dropped from over 209,000 in 2002 to just over 160,000 in 2012. The bill passed the NJ Assembly 64-0 after having passed the Senate by a vote of 35-1 in October; if signed by Christie this month it would become effective in January.
 

A calm day combined with golden light before sunset made for a peaceful scene along the bay!
 
WATCH THE SKY over the next several nights to get a glimpse of the Geminid meteor shower that will occur in the northern hemisphere. Peak activity will occur around December 14th, with an estimated 120 meteors visible each hour. Dark skies are best for viewing, and Cape May County's beaches ought to have some of the best views in the area.
 
STRIPER FISHING? THE BIG ONES ARE HERE! From Ocean City to Cape May, numerous reports of sizable striper catches are being reported, with a 36 lb. fish caught just off Stone Harbor. More recent whale sightings have occurred in the area, too, including one off Avalon last week. The ocean's alive with activity! If you have a recent "fish story" to tell, share it with me!
 
GIVE THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME! Sixty properties are currently under contract in the local market. Imagine the gift those families are receiving this holiday season! How about giving your family the ultimate gift? Memories made at the shore last a lifetime! Call or email to me to get started. I'll even supply a big red bow!

This Weeks News 12/03/2015

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FANTASTIC WEATHER over the Thanksgiving Weekend was enjoyed by all who were here on the Island! In addition to the many holiday activities taking place across the Island, Saturday's temperatures were in the mid-60s, meaning it was also a great day for a family walk on the beach, or even a boat ride. Shops and restaurants reported good traffic throughout the weekend, and Saturday night's Christmas Parade drew a huge crowd.
 
BEACH TAG REVENUE increased in most shore towns this year, according to the Atlantic City Press. In Avalon, 2015 beach tag revenue was $1,257,085, up from $1,222,662 a year ago. In Stone Harbor, revenue was $770,222, up from $727,281 last year. Sea Isle City's was $1,436,680, up from $1,415,585 last year. Ocean City, Margate, and Ventnor all reported similar increases. Beach tag revenue helps cover a portion of the cost of maintaining and guarding beaches for the public.
 
AN ANNUAL TRADITION is back! Ride the rails with Santa this holiday season! Cape May Seashore Lines will operate numerous "Santa Express" trains this season, running from nearby Tuckahoe to Richland Village. The 2.5 hour round trip crosses the Tuckahoe River and runs through South Jersey's pines, making for a scenic ride. The real highlight for children is a visit with Santa aboard the train. The "Santa Express" will run Saturdays and Sundays, as well as Tuesday and Thursday evenings, through December 22nd. Two special "Winter Express" trains will run without Santa, on Tuesday, December 29th. View Full Schedule, Fares, Information, And Tickets
 

Missed Saturday night's parade? Catch a few minutes here!
 
WHAT A GIFT to your family...the gift of time spent with loved ones, making memories at the shore! Why not make your vacation plans now, and surprise your family this holiday season! To begin planning your vacation, browse our new rental brochure: Renting At The Shore 2016. Then call or email me to get started! Even better--how about purchasing your very own Island retreat? Visit the Buying Section to browse properties, then call or email me to set up a time to see some properties!