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
2017: Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.

This Weeks News 2/23/2017


A WARM PRESIDENT'S DAY WEEKEND brought sizable crowds to the shore. Temperatures near 70 combined with sunshine to give an early taste of spring. From the Polar Bear Plunge in Sea Isle City to strolling along Dune Drive and 96th Street, there were plenty of people on the islands enjoying the warm weather!
 
THE BEACH REPLENISHMENT project has begun, with the dredge Texas pumping sand from Hereford Inlet to fill about 400 feet of beach so far in Stone Harbor's southern end, according to a recent report on the project. In about three weeks the dredge will move to Townsend's Inlet and begin pumping sand onto Avalon's beaches.
 
MARKET STATS: Strong demand led to a 27% increase in contracts written in January compared to a year ago, as active inventory continues to decline.

  View The Full Long & Foster Market Minute Report
January 2017 Market Minute Report
  Click above for the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report!
 
ReSTORE CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED: Habitat for Humanity's ReStore is set to open in May after an extensive renovation of its location in the former SuperFresh building in Cape May Court House. But in order to open, ReStore is in need of donated furniture, appliances, cabinets, building materials, and more. If you have household items to donate and wish to have them picked up, call (609) 463-0244.  
 
COMING SOON TO OCEAN DRIVE: E-Z PASS. County Freeholders have approved the purchase of E-Z Pass equipment for the toll bridges on Ocean Drive. Hardware, software, and installation of the system on the five toll bridges could cost up to $500,000. Perhaps that will mean an end to stopping at a toll booth atop one of the bridges late at night during the wintertime, only to find a sign indicating that no toll would be collected as there was no toll taker on duty!
 
HELP ME HELP YOU! If you need something--anything--just let me know! Whether you want a review of the latest activity in your market segment, or you need a recommendation for a reliable contractor, I'm ready to help. Call or email me today!

This Weeks News 2/16/2017


BEACH PROJECT: Strong winds over the weekend delayed the placement of the dredge "Texas" near Hereford Inlet due to safety concerns. The dredge was expected to move into position and begin pumping sand on Tuesday, February 14th. Once underway, the beach replenishment project will run 24/7, unless weather or mechanical problems cause delays. The Stone Harbor portion of the beach project will occur first, followed by the Avalon portion.
 

Glorious sunsets appear regularly throughout the winter season here on Seven Mile Beach!
 
SHORE RENTERS: RESERVE EARLY. That's the advice offered by a Philadelphia Inquirer article that appeared in the Sunday, February 12th edition of the paper. A limited supply of properties--and only so many weeks of summer--means it's important to get an early start on your search for a property. Call or email me, so I can help you find the perfect place. It's time to get started!

Read Full Article - The Rush Is Already On For Rentals At The Jersey Shore

JULIANA RENTERIA joined the Leiser Group last year and is handling vacation rentals for us. Whether you have questions on a rental property, or you're ready to book your vacation, contact Juliana by phone (800-967-7796 x227) or email (Juliana.Renteria@LongandFoster.com) anytime! As always, I'm available for rental and sale questions--contact me by phone (800-967-7796 x212) or email (Randy@RandyLeiser.com) anytime!
 
STONE HARBOR GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT is underway. Aging steel pipes are being replaced with new plastic pipes in two phases, the first of which will run until June. The second phase will begin in September and run into 2018. Look for most work to take place on weekdays, with some Saturday work possible. As the mains are replaced, gas service to individual homes will need to be shut off, and cannot be turned back on until a property owner is present to allow a worker inside to test the new connections. Property owners will be contacted via a mailing to their billing address as well as a "door knocker" hung on their door knob. Owners with questions can contact South Jersey Gas at (609) 465-2900, extension 6250, and reference the "Stone Harbor Project."
 
"HABITAT RESTORE" is coming to Cape May Court House. Habitat for Humanity will open its new ReStore location in May after a renovation project. Located in the former SuperFresh space on Court House-South Dennis Road, Habitat ReStore will sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, and more to the public at a fraction of retail prices. Goods are donated by individuals, distributors, and manufacturers, and sale proceeds from ReStores are used in local communities and around the world. Help is needed in renovating the new location. Volunteers of all skill levels are needed--if you can swing a hammer or a paintbrush, you're qualified!

Project Schedule/Volunteer For A Shift  |  Learn More - Habitat ReStore Cape May Court House

This Weeks News 2/9/2017


FLOOD INSURANCE SOLUTIONS: that's the topic of discussion at a public class offered Thursday, February 16th from 10am until 12noon at Avalon Community Hall. Discussion will include current regulations, elevation certificates, and identifying and correcting costly mistakes. All are welcome to attend the session. Bring your elevation certificate, and your questions!
 
Peaceful winter sunset in Avalon, NJ.
The shore is beautiful all year long! Here's a peaceful winter sunset from the Avalon Boulevard bridge.
 
FRIDAY: FULL MOON + LUNAR ECLIPSE! February's full moon occurs on Friday, with the moon rising at 5:18pm. Later on, look for a "penumbral lunar eclipse" as the moon slides into the earth's shadow. Scientists say the effect will be subtle, but look for the peak of the eclipse at 7:44pm. For those awake in the wee hours of the morning, the "New Year" comet will reach its closest point to Earth in the very early hours of Saturday morning. At 7.5 million miles from Earth, the comet will be visible with the naked eye, but scientists say a pair of binoculars will help! The beach often proves to be a good location for observing the skies, since it's a bit darker than most other areas.
 
CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY here on the Island? The Reeds at Shelter Haven is offering Valentine's Day Prix Fixe dinners on Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th. Call 609-368-0100 for info. The Icona Golden Inn follows up with a 5 Course Dinner and Wine Pairing on Saturday, February 18th. Call 609-368-5155 for info. 
 
THE STONE HARBOR MUSEUM has announced that it will be moving into the former William Ris Gallery location at 9410 Second Avenue. Having outgrown its former location at 235 93rd Street, the museum has been searching for a larger location to house its 50,000 artifact collection. The museum expects to be fully moved and open in the spring.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER to a friend, neighbor, or coworker who loves Avalon & Stone Harbor as much as you do. To subscribe, send an email to Randy@RandyLeiser.com!

This Weeks News 2/2/2017


SAND PUMPING could begin as early as February 7th, according to a recent update on the Avalon/Stone Harbor beach replenishment. Sand will initially be dredged from Hereford Inlet and pumped onto Stone Harbor's beaches and once that portion of the project is completed, operations will move to Avalon. Approximately 28 days of pumping will be required in Stone Harbor, and 37 days in Avalon. Equipment has already been mobilized for the project.
 
A LITTLE BIT OF SNOW blanketed the Island early this week. A couple of inches fell Sunday evening into Monday morning, making for some peaceful scenes along the beach and on the dunes!
 
Snow on Avalon, NJ dunes.
A layer of fluffy snow blanketed Avalon's dunes earlier this week.
 
A PORTION OF OCEAN DRIVE in Avalon will undergo a sewer main replacement, drainage improvements, and a complete repaving. Work will be conducted in phases over the next several months, with portions of Ocean Drive closed during construction. However, work will be suspended during the summer season so as not to impact visitors. 
 
PROPOSED FLOUNDER FISHING LIMITS for 2017 have united both recreational as well as commercial fisherman in opposition to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. The commission has proposed a thirty percent reduction in the flounder haul of commercial fishermen, and a forty percent reduction in the recreational catch. Recreational fishermen could be limited to keeping flounder that are at least 19 inches, up from last year's 17 inch minimum. The flounder season could also be reduced to just 59 days. Several state and federal representatives based in New Jersey have recently voiced opposition to the proposed limits, too, out of concern for the economic impact the proposed regulations could have.
 
SPREAD THE WORD! I love working with family and friends of my existing clients, so if you know of someone who's ready to explore the shore marketplace, please let me know! You can be sure that I'll give them the attentive and knowledgeable service they expect and deserve!