February 19, 2026

It hasn't warmed up THAT much yet...but it won't be long!  

SIX PERCENT, ZERO POINTS!  Thirty-year mortgage rates have inched downward again and reached 6% last week, for both conforming and jumbo (above $832,750) loan amounts, with zero points.    Fifteen-year rates reached 5.5% for both conforming and jumbo loan amounts, also with zero points.  If you've been watching mortgage rates before making your shore purchase, this may be a good time to jump in!  Call or email me if you'd like the names of reliable mortgage lenders that can provide you with a pre-approval, improving your negotiating position as a buyer.
 
AVALON'S LEGENDARY LIFEGUARD, Murray Wolf passed away earlier this week.  Wolf retired as Captain of the Avalon Beach Patrol in 2021, after 65 years of service.  One of Avalon's competition life boats proudly wears the name "Captain G. Murray Wolf" on its bow, honoring Wolf's 65 years with ABP.  Wolf's son Matt has followed in his footsteps, and currently serves as the captain of the ABP.
 
THE ICE MAY BE GONE, but some damage remains.  Some pilings not protected by bubbler or deicer systems were "ice jacked," or lifted out of the mud by ice gripping the pilings as the tide rose.  Similar damage has been reported to some Intracoastal Waterway day markers (pilings with red or green navigation markers on top), as shifting ice flows lifted the day markers or pushed them over during tide changes.  
 
FUNDING FOR BEACH PROJECTS is an ongoing concern for shore communities, who rely on beaches for both tourism and storm protection.  After last year's cut to federal beach funding, Representative Jeff Van Drew has introduced bipartisan legislation along with Rep. Laura Gillen of New York, to create a permanent source of funding for US Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment projects.  Meanwhile, Avalon Mayor John McCorriston and Business Administrator Scott Wahl met with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill's staff to press for the governor to declare a state of emergency regarding beach funding.  Such a declaration would allow easier access to federal funds.  Prior NJ Governor Phil Murphy denied a similar request in December.  Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City, Ocean City, Upper Township, and Cape May have all passed resolutions asking Governor Sherrill to issue the declaration. 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS: 
 
Estate Planning Discussion.  Attorney Marianne Johnston will discuss Estate and Long-Term Care Planning. Topics will include protecting retirement plans, protecting children's inheritance through a Bloodline Trust, and protecting assets from Nursing Homes and Medicaid. No registration required.  Avalon Free Public Library, Friday, February 27th, 2pm to 3pm. 
 
The Fiddle Club Presents: Irish Folk Music.  Irish jigs, reels, hornpipes and ballads as well as some classical music.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 7th, 2pm. 

Stone Harbor Shiver Polar Plunge Weekend. 

Pre-Shiver party at Yacht Club of Stone Harbor, Friday, March 13th, 6pm.  $35 entry fee, cash bar.
Pre-game at Fred's Tavern, Saturday, March 14th, 10am
Parade to the beach, Saturday, March 14th, 12 noon.
Shiver Showdown, 96th Street & the beach.
Polar Plunge, 96th Street & the beach, 1:15pm
After party at Fred's Tavern with music by the Quinn Brothers. 

Winter Wine Dinner Series.  Carefully curated four-course menu paired with exceptional wines.  Cape May Winery, Friday, March 20th, 6pm. Read More
 
Somm's Table: Chile.  Explore and taste Chilean wine. The Washington Inn, Saturday, March 21, 3pm.  Read More 

Bird Migration 101.  Avalon Free Public Library, Saturday, March 28th, 1pm. 

Avalon's Bunny Hop.  Meet the Easter Bunny!  Veterans Plaza, Saturday, April 4th, 11am to 2pm. 
Easter Brunch at Icona Avalon.  Sunday, April 5th, 10am to 2pm.  Details here
 
Easter Brunch By the Bay.  TThe Reeds at Shelter Haven, Sunday, April 5th, 10:30am to 3:30pm.  Read More 
 
Stone Harbor Job Fair. Details to follow.  Saturday, April 11th. 
 
Avalon Garden Club Spring Card Party:  Cheers to 50 Blooming Years!  Avalon Community Hall, Thursday, April 16th, 11:30am to 3pm.  Contact Joanna Morrison for tickets at 609-675-6846. 
 
Spring Dune Grass Planting.  Avalon Community Hall, Saturday, April 18th, 8:30am.  Please RSVP to Jordan Sykes at Community Hall: 609-967-3066 or jsykes@avalonboro.org

55 W 32nd Street, 1A, Avalon, $1,185,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260375


248 81st Street, Unit A, Stone Harbor, $1,599,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260334


181 7th Street, Avalon, $2,899,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260325


247 85th Street, Stone Harbor, $3,350,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260344


243 87th Street, Stone Harbor, $4,699,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260352


145 112th Street, Stone Harbor, $7,695,000, ACTIVE MLS#: 260320