2021:

Jan.

Feb.

March

April

May

June

July

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Nov.

Dec.

This Weeks News 12/23/2021

PEACE & JOY to you & yours this season!
 
THANK YOU for your business, referrals, and friendship this year. I sincerely appreciate it!
 
IF YOU'RE HERE NEW YEAR'S EVE be sure to catch fireworks on the beach in Avalon!
 
THE AVALON/STONE HARBOR UPDATE will return the week of January 3, 2022.



FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Best wishes for health and happiness in the upcoming year!

 

This Weeks News 12/16/2021

Avalon's beach tree is being decorated by visitors! Stop by the 30th Street beach and hang an ornament or place a seashell at the base of the tree!
 
OCEAN DRIVE BRIDGE TOLLS will increase by $1.50 under the Cape May County Bridge Commission's plan.  The current $1.50 toll will rise by 50 cents in each of the next three years. he county operates a series of bridges linking its barrier islands, and aside from the Ocean City-Longport Bridge, which was constructed in 2002, the rest are drawbridges built in the 1930s and 1940s. Increased toll revenue would help pay for maintenance and repair projects until the drawbridges can be replaced in the future. The last bridge toll increase took place in 2009. SeaIsleNews.com ran an article on the toll increase--you can read it here:
 
BRIDGE TOLLS TO INCREASE BY $1.50 UNDER THREE-YEAR PLAN
 
WHILE THE TREE LIGHTS ARE ON take a ride along Dune Drive or stroll the 96th Street business district for a mesmerizing sight! Both Avalon and Stone Harbor have extensive holiday decorations in place, and the streets are lined with lights. Christmas trees, wreaths, red bows, and thousands of twinkling lights await you!


 
NOTHING BEATS SANTA ON A TRAIN! Whether you're a kid, or just young-at-heart, a visit from Santa aboard a vintage train is a magical experience. You can still get tickets for The Santa Express aboard the Cape May Seashore Lines, running now through December 22nd, departing from nearby Tuckahoe.
 
SCHEDULE AND TICKETS: CM SEASHORE LINES SANTA EXPRESS
 
CATCH FIREWORKS ON THE BEACH on New Year's Eve in Avalon! Beginning at 5pm on New Year's Eve, Avalon will put on spectacular fireworks show! Families are encouraged to access the beach at 30th Street and 32nd Street for viewing the show. Prior to the fireworks show enjoy family activities including music and hot chocolate, beginning at 3:30pm at Surfside Park. The rain date for the event is Saturday, January 1st at 5pm.
 
NEW YEAR'S EVE IN THE AREA: After you enjoy fireworks on the beach in Avalon, you may want to enjoy dinner or celebrate while ringing in the New Year. Reservations are suggested! Here are just a few local places to consider: The Princeton; Spiaghetta; Avalon Brew Pub; The Reeds at Shelter Haven. Check out others around the island, or consider more options from Cape May Court House to Cape May!

 

This Weeks News 12/9/2021

Catching a wave... in December? Yes, dedicated surfers can be seen riding waves even on cold, gray days during the winter months! Wetsuits and gloves help block the cold, but it still looks chilly!
 
CHRISTMAS TREES ON THE BEACH are taking root! Avalon's beach tree is back again this year on the 30th Street beach--and even made TV new in Philadelphia! NBC10 ran a story on beach trees in Sea Isle, Ocean City, and Avalon. Check it out here:
 
NBC10 - CHRISTMAS TREES ON NJ BEACHES SPREAD HOLIDAY JOY, AGAIN
 

Avalon's beach Christmas tree was decorated by visitors throughout the month of December; stop by the 30th Street beach this month to add an ornament to this year's beach tree!
 
CONFORMING LOAN LIMIT RAISED: Rising real estate prices have led to an increase in the Fannie Mae conforming loan limit. Mike Mento of Prosperity Mortgage stated "the new conventional loan limit of $647,200 is effective immediately." Loans over that amount are considered jumbo loans, and are often subject to different interest rates and requirements, while conforming loans written to Fannie Mae standards facilitate underwriting, and help ensure a vibrant mortgage market.  
 
WHILE OTHERS ARE FOCUSED ON THE HOLIDAYS, now is a great time to get a head start on traditional "spring" projects for your rental property. Place a quick call to a contractor, schedule a carpet cleaning or painter, or order that new piece of furniture now. It'll get you into the queue earlier and help beat the spring rush!
 
ANOTHER WAY TO BEAT THE SPRING RUSH: Begin your search for the perfect shore home now! Whether you need a week at the beach, or a permanent place to call your own, let's talk! Either way, the family memories are priceless! Call or email me anytime!
 
FIREWORKS ON THE BEACH have always been fun--and this year, you can ring in the New Year with fireworks in Avalon on New Year's Eve! Details on the location & time will be announced shortly--stay tuned!

 

This Weeks News 12/2/2021

VIEW THE LATEST LONG & FOSTER MARKET MINUTE REPORT  |  DOWNLOAD/PRINT PDF
 
MARKET STATS: The number of properties sold during the month of October (37) was slightly higher than September, but down compared to October of last year. The median sale price increased by 7% over October of 2020, while the number of active listings decreased by 28%. For a detailed look at the market, see the latest Long & Foster Market Minute report above.
 
LAST WEEKEND BROUGHT SANTA and the holiday spirit to Seven Mile Island! Along with caroling, tree lightings, and holiday movies, Santa lit Dune Drive in Avalon Friday evening, and then paraded through Stone Harbor Saturday evening. Events throughout the weekend were well attended, as were the parades; shops and restaurants saw good crowds.
 

Santa & Mrs. Claus were aboard Stone Harbor's Fireboat during Saturday evening's parade, after lighting Dune Drive in Avalon Friday evening!
 

Crowds lined parade routes Friday and Saturday evenings to kick off the holidays!
 
US COAST GUARD CAPTAIN SEAN O'BRIEN was featured in an Atlantic City Press article for numerous rescues and awards throughout his 24-year career. O'Brien commands the Atlantic City Air Station but has also served in Michigan, Texas, and New Orleans, where he conducted air rescues during Hurricane Katrina. Over his career he has rescued more than 300 people, and has received two Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, six Coast Guard Achievement Medals, a Commandant's Letter of Commendation and two Air Medals, according the The Press. O'Brien used to spend his summers in Sea Isle City. Read the article here:
 
WINGED GUARDIAN: COAST GUARD COMMANDER HONORED FOR HEROIC RESCUES
 
A WORLD WAR II MUNITION was found on the Wildwood beach last weekend, and taken to a residence by the person who found it. Police and fire personnel responded to the residence, and evacuated the surrounding area. The Atlantic City Bomb Squad removed the munition, which was reported to be live, and rendered it safe. During World War II the US Military operated along the entire coastline, defending against German submarine attacks. Police say munitions found anywhere should not be touched or handled except by qualified personnel.  
 
SHOPPING THE SHORE this season? It's a great way to avoid support local businesses while avoiding supply chain issues and shipping delays elsewhere. Here are some ideas for you:

• box of fudge, saltwater taffy, or candy from your favorite sweet shop
   
• gift certificate to a local restaurant
   
• sweatshirt or t-shirt bearing the name of your favorite shore town
   
• jewelry or artwork from a local shop
   
• a bucket & shovel, or a boogie board for a child looking forward to a beach vacation next summer

THE ULTIMATE GIFT to your family is the gift of memories, and memories are what shore homes are for! Ready to treat your family to the ultimate gift? Let's talk, and begin your search for the perfect seashore vacation home. I'll supply the big red bow!