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
2016: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

This Weeks News 5/26/2016


MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND is upon us! The Island is buzzing with activity as homeowners prepare for the season and visitors arrive to kick off the summer season. Avalon & Stone Harbor will observe Memorial Day with parades and ceremonies on Monday. See the event list below for details.
 
THE AJ MEERWALD, New Jersey's tall ship, is back in the water after wintertime repairs were completed at Yank Marine, including hull repairs and electrical system upgrades. The Meerwald will cruise the waters of New Jersey and New York through the fall. In August, the Meerwald will visit Cape May and Atlantic City for tours and public sails.
 
SEASON BEACH TAGS are discounted through May 31st in Avalon & Stone Harbor. If you're here over Memorial Day Weekend, purchase your season tags for $22. On June 1st, the cost of a season tag will rise to $27.

Beach Dunes and Summer Shoes
Finally! It's time to hang up your shoes and hit the beach!
 
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE BEACH! The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium strives to protect and promote New Jersey's marine and coastal resources. Their "Favorite Beach" contest helps promote awareness of New Jersey's beaches.
 
   Vote For Your Favorite New Jersey Beach Here!
 
IF DOLPHIN VIDEOS by Nik Pattantyus have amazed you before, check out this news story featuring Nik that appeared on NBC10 in Philadelphia!
 
   Man On Paddleboard Gets Up Close Encounter With Dolphins Off Jersey Shore
 
SUMMER BUCKET LIST: What's on yours? Make a Summer Bucket List, then set aside some time to make things happen! Whether you want to catch a sunrise on the beach or catch a fish with your grandchild, commit to making those memories this summer!

This Weeks News 5/19/2016


MARKET STATS: The latest Long & Foster Market Minute report shows 31 properties sold during April, up from 24 in March. The median sale price was $1,100,000, up 22% over March. For the full Market Minute report, click here:
   
  The Long & Foster Market Minute Report
Market Minute Report
 
For the latest L&F Market Minute report, click above.

THERE'S STILL TIME! If you'd like to purchase your very own shore home and enjoy it for the rest of the summer, there's still time to do just that! Please call or email me to begin your search for the perfect vacation home today!
 
SAVE A TRIP TO COMCAST IN RIO GRANDE by visiting their temporary customer service trailer in Avalon! The trailer has arrived in the parking lot adjacent to Avalon Community Hall, and will be open about May 20th, through June 18th, Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 7pm. This is a one-time opportunity to take advantage of the Comcast trailer and save a round trip to Comcast's new, permanent location in Rio Grande!
 
AVALON'S 8TH STREET TENNIS COURTS will soon be resurfaced and repaired. The courts will be powerwashed, prepared, resurfaced, and painted in a U.S. Open blue & green color scheme. When work begins, the courts will close for about a week when a favorable weather window arrives, but no work will occur during the Memorial Day weekend. When the 8th Street courts are not available, those with reservations will be accommodated at the 39th Street courts.
 
THE OTHER JERSEY SHORE: A National Geographic Wild episode titled "The Other Jersey Shore" and featuring Delaware Bay and horseshoe crabs will air Friday, May 20th at 10:30pm Eastern on Comcast channel 108. The Wetlands Institute's Horseshoe Crab Conservation Program is featured in the episode. View the trailer:  United States Of Animals - The Other Jersey Shore.
 
SEVEN MILE RESTAURANT WEEK returns June 6th-12th. The annual favorite will feature dining specials from dozens of local restaurants. Stay tuned for more details!
 
"CLICK IT OR TICKET!" Not only is wearing a seatbelt a good idea, it may save you a ticket in Avalon or Stone Harbor during the Seatbelt Mobilization campaign which will take place from May 23rd to June 5th. Avalon, Stone Harbor, and many other towns will participate in the campaign, which seeks to raise the seatbelt usage rate in New Jersey from its current level of 91.36%.

Splash says... One week to Memorial Day!
 
SPLASH SAYS "One week to Memorial Day weekend!"

This Weeks News 5/12/2016


CAPE MAY COUNTY TOURISM generated a record $6 billion in 2015, up 4% over 2014 according to an Atlantic City Press article. Favorable weather and low gas prices helped fuel tourism last year, which marked the sixth straight year of growth. Tourism in Cape May County supports over 25,000 jobs, more than half the total in Cape May County. Statewide, tourism generated $37 billion in GDP. Most expect 2016 to be another strong year. If Mother Nature cooperates and brings us more beautiful summer weather it should be a great season!
 
THE WORLD SERIES OF BIRDING arrives in Cape May County on Saturday, May 14th, for 24 hours of birding. Over 100 teams from around the world will participate to identify as many species as possible. A team from The Wetlands Institute will compete in the event. If you'd like to make a pledge or donation to the Wetland's Institute team, please visit:  Wetland's Institute Team - New Jersey Audubon's World Series of Birding.
 
Sunset over Cape Island Creek
A colorful sunset over Cape Island Creek, Cape May.
 
AFTER A $15 MILLION RENOVATION, the Golden Inn is expected to reopen in mid-June, according to a Philadelphia Business Journal report. Icona Resorts purchased the hotel at the end of last year and immediately began renovation work. Initially the resort was expected to reopen in July, but has started taking reservations for June 15th and after.
 
COMING SOON--TREE TO TREE ADVENTURE PARK! Zip lines, nets, and Tarzan swings will soon challenge every age and ability at the Cape May County Zoo. The new adventure course is set to open this summer. Stay tuned for more details!
 
RENTAL PROPERTIES--GET 'EM READY! The season is drawing near--make sure your rental property is ready for your first guests! Take some time to review all aspects of your rental property NOW to avoid problems later. Use the general checklist below as a starting point for your property:
 
    -rental license applied for & received
 
    -spring cleaning completed
 
    -water & outside shower turned on
 
    -all utilities turned on
 
    -telephone & cable TV turned on and hooked up
     (plan ahead--Comcast no longer has an office in Avalon!)
 
    -internet/WiFi turned on and tested, and password provided to L&F to keep on file
 
    -landscaping, pest control, and weed control service set up
 
    -deck furniture placed outside
 
    -check all appliances for correct operation
 
    -HVAC system serviced & ready
 
    -gas/charcoal grill set up & ready, and propane tank filled
 
    -pool opened & maintenance contract established
 
    -provide enough trash/recycling cans
 
If you need a recommendation for a contractor or other service provider, please call or email me--but don't wait too long, as the approaching season means most are very busy.

THE LEISER GROUP is pleased to have been honored as one of Long & Foster's Top Ten Teams in the Coastal Region. We sincerely thank you for your business, and appreciate your referrals!

This Weeks News 5/5/2016


AVALON'S "BACKPASSING" project is underway, as dump trucks move beach sand from the 33rd-38th Street beaches to replenish north end beaches. Every few moments a dump truck loaded with beach sand moves northward, passed by an empty dump truck moving southward. Work continues seven days a week, subject to the tide cycle. The project is expected to be completed in advance of the summer season, and is currently ahead of schedule. In addition to enhancing protection for north end homes, the newly widened beaches will provide more room for beachgoers to enjoy during the summer.
 
Dump Trucks - Avalon NJ Beach "Backpassing" Project
A pair of dump trucks move along Avalon's beach on a rainy day, as Avalon's sand "backpassing" project continues.
 
THE BOROUGH OF STONE HARBOR received the Cape May County Annual Conservation Award for its efforts in restoring the gardens in the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, and those around the pump house at 114th Street & Third Avenue. Native plants requiring little water were used, and they'll help meet the needs of species living in and around the area.
 
SPRINGER'S HOME MADE ice cream is among the top twenty ice cream shops in the nation! A USA Today poll will narrow down the list to the 10 Best. Voting runs through May 23rd at 12 noon. Visit their website see the other candidates, then cast your vote for Springer's!

     Cast Your Vote: USA Today 10 Best - 2016 Ice Cream Parlor Nominees
 
COAST GUARD SHIP TOURS, demonstrations, and trolley tours of Training Center Cape May are all available this weekend as the 2016 Coast Guard Community Festival takes place, Friday, through Sunday. Some activities require tickets, but many do not.

     Learn More: 2016 Coast Guard Community Festival
 
TREAT MOM RIGHT THIS WEEKEND, with some flowers, or perhaps dinner out. Or you can really impress Mom by buying her (and the rest of the family) a place at the shore! Happy Mother's Day!