2016:

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This Weeks News 6/30/2016

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3.5%...WITH NO POINTS! Thirty-year fixed rates are now running at 3.5% for both conforming and jumbo (over $417,000) mortgage loans, down about half a percentage point from a year ago. That makes it a GREAT time to purchase a vacation property while locking in low mortgage costs for the duration of your ownership! Ready to start your search for the perfect vacation home? Please call me!
 
JULY FOURTH EVENTS of all sorts fill the weekend...see below for a list. From boat parades to concerts to contests of all sorts, there's something for everyone this weekend. And be sure to catch fireworks in Avalon on Sunday evening, July 3rd, and in Stone Harbor Monday evening, July 4th!
 

Catch Avalon's fireworks Sunday July 3rd and Stone Harbor's Monday, July 4th!
 
EXPLORE THE SHORE: that's just one of the summer programs coming up at The Wetlands Institute for kids ages 5-13. Visit their website for more information:

   Summer Nature Program - Information & Registration

   Calendar of Activities and Events - Tours, Aquarium Feedings & More
 
WHAT'S ON YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST? Set aside some time for your Summer Bucket List items! Whether you want to try parasailing, walk the beach at sunrise, or teach your child to fish, now's the time!

This Weeks News 6/23/2016

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MARKET STATS: 87 properties are currently under contract in the local market, including 33 newly written contracts during the month of May. The number of closed sales dropped slightly in May, as did the number of active listings.
 
  More Details - View The Latest Long & Foster Market Minute Report

 Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report.
 
OCEAN WATER TEMPERATURES near 70 degrees were recorded this week off Cape May County. That's about average for this time of year, though daily temperatures can vary widely, especially if offshore winds blow warm surface water out to sea, allowing cooler subsurface water to replace it along the beach. Traditional southerly sea breezes help blow warm surface water toward the beach--ensuring a comfortable dip in the surf!
 
A SAFE BOATING CLASS will be held Saturday, June 25th at the Stone Harbor Yacht Club, from 8am to 4:30pm. Students successfully completing the course will earn an New Jersey Safe Boating Certificate--required for anyone operating a vessel in New Jersey waters. Registration is required for the $55 class--call Ed McGarvey at (609) 703-9688 to register.
 
THE AVALON HISTORICAL SOCIETY is featuring vintage cameras in a new exhibit at the Avalon History Center, at 215 39th Street. Early 1900's cameras from Kodak, Argus, and Polaroid are on display from 10am-4pm, Tuesday through Sundays, through June.
 
MEET R2-D2 at the Avalon Library on July 13th! Long-time Avalon resident and Long & Foster friend Bob Ross has built--yes, built!--three versions of R2-D2, of Star Wars fame. Meet Bob and one of his incredible droids at the Avalon Library on July 13th, from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Bob will describe the design and construction of his R2-D2, and treat the crowd to a demonstration!
 
HERE OVER THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND? See below for a huge list of upcoming events, including a dozen over the July 4th weekend!

This Weeks News 6/16/2016

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AVALON'S BEACHES are now ready to go for the summer season after a major sand backpassing project was completed last weekend. 55,000 cubic yards of sand were scraped from the 32nd to 38th Street beaches and moved to north-end beaches to replenish them. Erosion from winter storms had moved the sand southward; the backpassing project returned it to its point of origin. Rather than put the project out for bid, the work was performed by the Avalon Department of Public Works, which rented heavy equipment for the job. A major beachfill project is anticipated prior to the 2017 season.
 
THE HEREFORD INLET LIGHTHOUSE MARITIME FESTIVAL takes place this Saturday & Sunday at 111 N. Central Avenue in North Wildwood. The festival will feature music, food, crafts, historians, and tours of the lighthouse, while celebrating South Jersey's maritime history. The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is still in operation, and its light is visible at night from many areas of Avalon & Stone Harbor.
 
OTHER MAJOR WEEKEND EVENTS include an Open House at Avalon's Public Library, and Sea Isle City's Skimmer Festival. For something a little different, try a "Full Moon Climb" at the Cape May Lighthouse on Monday evening, June 20th!
 
$832 PER POUND! That's what a prize-winning 212-pound mako shark was worth in the recent South Jersey Shark Tournament. The mako, caught by a crew of sport fishermen from New York, won $176,414 in prize money! Whether you're looking to catch a big mako shark, or something a bit more modest, seek advice (and bait!) from local tackle shops, including Smuggler's Cove in Stone Harbor, or Moran's Dockside and Avalon Hodge Podge in Avalon.
 
ROAD CONSTRUCTION, detours, and delays are often part of getting to the Shore on busy summer weekends. But the next time you grumble about road construction slowing your trip, consider the early options for reaching your favorite Island...see below for a look at how everybody got here a hundred years ago!
 

The way visitors used to get to the Island! This view of 96th Street, looking east, shows an early Stone Harbor Railroad train. Another rail line ran down the middle of Second Avenue (Dune Drive) from Avalon.
 
3.83 PERCENT! That's the average rate for conforming loans of $417,000 and below. Jumbo loans over $417,000 are a bit less, averaging 3.81% according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association. It's a fantastic time to take advantage of low rates, whether purchasing a shore home, or refinancing your primary residence. Whether you're ready to get started with a purchase, or simply need a recommendation on a good mortgage lender, please call me!
 
NEXT WEEK, watch for our list of July 4th events to enjoy!

This Weeks News 6/9/2016

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45,000 CUBIC YARDS of sand have already been moved during Avalon's sand backpassing project, designed to rebuild and protect the borough's north end beaches. The project is nearly finished and will conclude no later than June 10th. A major hydraulic beach fill (dredging) project is anticipated after the 2016 beach season.
 
RESTAURANT WEEK runs through Sunday, June 12th. Dozens of Island restaurants are participating, and offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials. Visit your favorites, or try out a couple of new places!
  
View List of Restaurant Week Participants & Their Schedules
 
 
A pair of ospreys took up residence atop this Stone Harbor home's chimney. When not in the nest, the ospreys spend time perched at the top of a nearby flagpole.
 
CHELSEA PLACE PARK in Stone Harbor will celebrate a grand reopening on June 17th at 9:30am, after a complete makeover. New slides, swings, and other playground equipment will make the park a favorite among children. Adults will enjoy sitting on a bench in the shade, or a stroll around the walking path. Chelsea Place Park is located between 105th & 106th Streets, between Second & Third Avenues.
 
AVALON BAY PARK MARINA has been dredged to improve boat access, and is now open to boaters through the summer. Additional areas of the marina and adjacent navigation channel will be dredged in the fall.
 
THE CAPE MAY-LEWES FERRY fleet is back at full strength as the MV Delaware returns to service after a $3.5 million, five month engine replacement. The Delaware's new engines will cut fuel consumption and emissions by 40%. Grants are expected to pay for future upgrades to the MV New Jersey and the MV Cape Henlopen as well. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry operates up to a dozen round trips across Delaware Bay each day during the height of the season.
 
THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS on the Island offer nearly everything you'll find during the height of the summer, but without the crowds! The beaches are delightful, the fishing is good, restaurants and shops are open, and the excitement of another summer season is here!  Take advantage of a couple of quiet weeks before the peak season (and crowds!) are here!
 
FROM $199,000 to $10 MILLION, there's something for every budget on Seven Mile Island! Whether you're looking for a getaway condo or a mansion by the sea, let's work together to make it happen! There's still time to complete your purchase and enjoy the summer in your new shore home!

This Weeks News 6/2/2016

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GREAT START, GRAY FINISH! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday saw ideal weather for kicking off the summer season, with beachgoers, boaters, pedestrians, and bicyclists all taking advantage of it. Monday brought rain and gray skies which led to the cancellation of parades (but not ceremonies) in both Avalon and Stone Harbor, and sent many home a bit earlier than usual. Despite that, most are reporting a strong weekend and a great start to the season!
 

A little bit of sunshine after a rain shower led to a double rainbow over the bay!
 
SEVEN MILE RESTAURANT WEEK runs from June 6th to 12th. Take advantage of specials at dozens of local restaurants before peak summer crowds hit!  View List of Restaurant Week Participants
 
SLOW DOWN FOR TURTLES! At this time of year diamondback terrapins begin crossing local roads seeking higher ground on which to lay eggs. Give 'em a brake! Roadway mortality is listed as a major threat to the terrapin population. If you are inclined to help a turtle across the road, carefully help them cross in the direction they are already headed, while taking care to ensure your own safety.
 
LIFEGUARD TRYOUTS: Do you have what it takes to be a lifeguard? If so, and you're looking for summer employment, Avalon and Stone Harbor will each hold lifeguard tryouts on Saturday, June 4th, at 10am. Avalon's will be held on the 32nd Street beach, and Stone Harbor's will be held at the 95th Street beach. 
 
AT THE 95th STREET BEACH a new deck, pergola, and walkway over the dunes were just dedicated last week. Catch some sun, a breeze, take in the ocean view, or read a book on a bench in the shade!